Propylthiouracil-induced autoimmune syndromes: 11 case report

Abstract

The objective of this study was to report 11 cases of propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced autoimmune syndromes. We describe the clinical presentation, course, and outcome of 11 patients and compare clinical features between PTU-induced lupus and PTU-induced vasculitis. Of our 11 patients, 7 patients had vasculitis and 4 patients had lupus. Patients with vasculitis were older and had a longer duration of treatment in comparison with lupus. P-ANCA were predominantly found in PTU-induced vasculitis, but also found in lupus, while ANA and anti-dsDNA were often found in lupus. Some difference of renal and pulmonary involvement was often found between PTU-induced vasculitis and lupus. Most of patients needed steroids or immunosuppressive drugs. Vasculitis in the cases of PTU-induced autoimmune phenomena is often found than lupus. P-ANCA in both PTU-induced lupus and vasculitis can all present, but there are differences in clinical and outcome features to diagnosis.