Multiple Myeloma Complicated by Congestive Heart Failure Following First Administration of Recombinant α-Interferon

Abstract

A 59-year-old female was admitted to Tsukuba University Hospital and diagnosed as IgA-λ multiple myeloma (stage III A). No cardiovascular disorder with the exception of minor ischemic changes in ECG was revealed before treatment. Recombinant human α-interferon (IFN) at a dose of 3 million units combined with melphalan and prednisolone was administrated. Sixteen hours after the first administration of IFN, IFN was suspended by the symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF). Treatment with diuretics and catecholamine products showed almost complete recovery from CHF in 3 weeks. An adverse reaction to IFN was strongly suspected as the cause of CHF. © 1992, The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine. All rights reserved.