A RARE COMPLICATION OF BCG IMMUNOTHERAPY

Entela Kolovani; Ergys Ramosaço; Rovena Byku; Najada Çomo; Rezart Xhani; Ervin Rrapushi; Dhimiter Kraja

doi:10.12955/cbup.v5.1061

Entela Kolovani Infectious Diseases Clinic, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania
Ergys Ramosaço Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences, University of Medicine
Rovena Byku Infectious Diseases Clinic, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”
Najada Çomo Infectious Diseases Clinic, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”
Rezart Xhani Urology Clinic, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa“
Ervin Rrapushi Rheumatology Clinic, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa“
Dhimiter Kraja Infectious Diseases Clinic, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa”

DOI: https://doi.org/10.12955/cbup.v5.1061

Keywords: Bladder carcinoma, BCG immunotherapy, Reiter’s syndrome, diagnose

Abstract

Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunotherapy is an effective agent for superficial bladder carcinoma. The main adverse effect of this treatment is cystitis. Arthralgia and migratory arthritis occur only in 0.5% of patients. Reiter syndrome is a very rare complication that can occur after intravesical apply of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Immunotherapy. We report the first Albanian patient who developed Reiter’s syndrome, following intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin. Diagnose of Reiter’s Syndrome was clinically based, excluding every other reason that could have caused it. Treatment was made with non-steroid and steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, followed by a full recovery result. Even though Reiter's Syndrome is a rare, but significant complication of BCG immunotherapy, it’s important to identify it in time, in order we to offer an adequate treatment.

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