Monoclonal Insulin Autoimmune Syndrome Successfully Treated With Plasma Cell Directed Therapy

Abstract

Background

Monoclonal insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS) is a very rare disease characterized by severe attacks of hypoglycemia caused by circulating anti-insulin antibodies produced by a B-cell clone, usually clonal plasma cells.

Method

We present 2 female Norwegian patients with monoclonal IAS. The anti-insulin antibodies were quantified by immune precipitation and characterized using a 3-step manual in-house assay. Both patients received plasma cell directed therapy.

Result

The first patient received plasma cell directed therapy for a time-limited period and achieved a sustained clinical remission without detectable anti-insulin antibodies. The second patient receives continuous plasma cell directed therapy and is in clinical remission with low values of detectable anti-insulin antibodies.

Conclusion

Plasma cell directed therapy was effective and safe in our 2 cases of monoclonal IAS. We recommend considering plasma cell directed therapy for these patients.