Roxadustat-Induced Central Hypothyroidism in Renal Anemia Patients: Insights From Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Related Vasculitis Cases.

The introduction of hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitors in Japan in 2019 for treating renal anemia in hemodialysis patients has resulted in an adverse event: central hypothyroidism. Although this adverse event was not widely recognized by the public, it was first documented in Japan in 2021. Despite limited case reports on roxadustat, an oral HIF-PH inhibitor that induces central hypothyroidism, this condition typically improves rapidly upon discontinuation of the drug. In this report, we present rare cases of roxadustat-induced central hypothyroidism in two patients: a woman in her 80s and a man in his 60s, neither of whom had prior thyroid disease. Both patients developed central hypothyroidism shortly after starting roxadustat treatment for renal anemia associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-related vasculitis. Notably, neither patient had pituitary tumors or other pituitary hormone disorders. Thyroid function improved with levothyroxine treatment, even when oral roxadustat was continued. Roxadustat may induce central hypothyroidism, highlighting the importance of regularly measuring and evaluating thyroid function when administering this drug to monitor possible changes in thyroid hormone levels.

A Case of Rhabdomyolysis Induced by Antipsychotic Medication With Creatine Kinase (CK) Levels Elevated to 420,000 U/L, Resulting in Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Necessitating Hemodialysis.

A 45-year-old man on public welfare, who had been visiting a psychiatric hospital for schizoaffective disorder, began working as a package delivery person for the first time in the morning after receiving welfare. In the afternoon, he noticed pain in his lower back. By evening, he was unable to move, prompting an emergency call and transportation to our hospital. Blood tests revealed renal damage and elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels, resulting in hospitalization. Although he received fluid replacement after admission, he did not urinate, and his CK levels increased to 420,000 U/L, necessitating hemodialysis. Subsequently, his CK levels gradually improved over time, accompanied by increased urine output. Approximately three weeks after initiating hemodialysis, he was weaned off the treatment and discharged home 40 days after admission.