Rituximab for the treatment of type B insulin resistance syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

K Iseri, M Iyoda, Y Shikida, T Inokuchi… - Diabetic …, 2017 - Wiley Online Library
K Iseri, M Iyoda, Y Shikida, T Inokuchi, T Morikawa, N Hara, T Hirano, T Shibata
Diabetic Medicine, 2017Wiley Online Library
Background Type B insulin resistance syndrome is a rare disease characterized by
refractory transient hyperglycaemia and severe insulin resistance associated with circulating
anti‐insulin receptor antibodies. A standardized treatment regimen for type B insulin
resistance syndrome has yet to be established. Case report We report the case of a 64‐year‐
old man undergoing haemodialysis for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated
vasculitis and diabetic nephropathy, who developed rapid onset of hyperglycaemia …
Background
Type B insulin resistance syndrome is a rare disease characterized by refractory transient hyperglycaemia and severe insulin resistance associated with circulating anti‐insulin receptor antibodies. A standardized treatment regimen for type B insulin resistance syndrome has yet to be established.
Case report
We report the case of a 64‐year‐old man undergoing haemodialysis for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis and diabetic nephropathy, who developed rapid onset of hyperglycaemia (glycated albumin 52.1%). Type B insulin resistance syndrome was diagnosed, on the basis of positivity for anti‐insulin receptor antibodies and the man's autoimmune history of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Although severe hyperglycaemia persisted in spite of corticosteroids and high‐dose insulin therapy, rituximab treatment resulted in remarkable improvement of the man's severe insulin resistance and disappearance of anti‐insulin receptor antibodies without any adverse effects.
Conclusions
According to a literature review of 11 cases in addition to the present case, rituximab appears to be a safe and effective strategy for the treatment of corticosteroid‐resistant type B insulin resistance syndrome.
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