The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Mepolizumab in Hypereosinophilic Syndrome

Anti-IL-5 antibody for steroid-sparing control of eosinophilic disease

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Hematoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Mepolizumab in Hypereosinophilic Syndrome?

Hypereosinophilic syndrome is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by sustained blood eosinophilia above 1,500 cells per microliter and end-organ damage. Mepolizumab binds interleukin-5, the principal cytokine driving eosinophil survival and activation, and reduces eosinophil counts within weeks of subcutaneous administration.

The drug is approved for FIP1L1-PDGFRA-negative idiopathic disease that requires chronic corticosteroid therapy. Eligible patients typically present with skin, lung, gastrointestinal, or cardiac involvement and a documented eosinophil-driven inflammatory pattern on biopsy or imaging.

Treatment is given as a fixed dose every four weeks, with response measured by flare reduction, steroid dose, and eosinophil count. The drug carries a low risk of opportunistic infection but requires screening for parasitic infestation before initiation, especially Strongyloides in endemic regions.

Symptoms

Persistent eosinophilia despite corticosteroid therapy
Recurrent flares with skin, lung, or gut symptoms
Cumulative steroid toxicity such as bone loss or diabetes
Cardiac involvement with endomyocardial fibrosis
Need for steroid-sparing maintenance therapy

Risk Factors

FIP1L1-PDGFRA negative idiopathic phenotype
Steroid dependence above prednisone equivalent of 7.5 mg
End-organ damage from sustained eosinophilia
Exposure to Strongyloides stercoralis in endemic areas
Concurrent systemic illness limiting steroid tolerance

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When steroid tapering causes recurrent flares
  • When new cardiac, neurologic, or pulmonary symptoms emerge
  • When steroid-related side effects become disabling
  • When eosinophil count remains elevated despite therapy
  • When unexplained weight loss, fever, or rash develops

Treatment Methods

01
Subcutaneous mepolizumab every four weeks
02
Stepwise prednisone taper based on response
03
Strongyloides screening and treatment before initiation
04
Periodic blood count and tryptase monitoring
05
Cardiac assessment with echocardiography and troponin
06
Bone marrow study to exclude clonal disease
07
Multidisciplinary review with hematology and allergy

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Hematoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Hematoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.