Blessing for the bleeder: bevacizumab in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Abstract

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder characterized by uncontrolled multisystem angiogenesis with epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, iron-deficiency anemia, and arteriovenous malformations, and is often associated with increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Bevacizumab, a VEGF inhibitor, reduces epistaxis, telangiectasias, and iron-deficiency anemia. We present the case of a woman with HHT and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding who required iron supplementation and multiple blood transfusions. Bevacizumab resulted in marked symptom improvement and transfusion-independence. Our report describes the dose schedule and calls for a randomized, controlled trial demonstrating the value of bevacizumab therapy.

• Authors: Narendranath Epperla, William Hocking
• Journal: Clinical medicine & research (Clin Med Res) Vol. 13 Issue 1 Pg. 32-5 (Mar 2015) ISSN: 1554-6179 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24667223 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2015 Marshfield Clinic.

Chemical References

• VEGFA protein, human
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• Bevacizumab

Topics

• Bevacizumab (administration & dosage)
• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage (blood, drug therapy)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic (blood, drug therapy)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (blood)