Minimal change disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplant: Manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease

Abstract

Chronic graft-versus-host disease is a potentially life-threatening immunological complication which can occur any time after hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Many organ systems can be affected; however, kidneys are normally not and development of nephrotic syndrome is particularly rare. In our report, a 64 year old who was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia developed acute kidney injury and nephrotic syndrome secondary to minimal change disease. The patient responded well to treatment with steroids and rituximab therapy. Our goal is to communicate that nephrotic syndrome should be suspected in patients with significant hypoalbuminemia after graft-versus-host disease and withdrawing immunosuppression.