Isaacson v. Secretary of Health and Human Services

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 14-1056V
(Filed: November 25, 2020)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AMANDA L ISAACSON, * To Be Published
*
Petitioner, * Ruling on Entitlement;
* Influenza (“Flu”) Vaccine;
v. * Rapid Progressive
* Glomerulonephritis (“RPGN”);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Progressive Glomerulonephritis
AND HUMAN SERVICES, * with Monoclonal IgG Deposits
* (“PGNMID”)
Respondent. *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Scott Taylor, Esq., Urban and Taylor, S.C., Milwaukee, WI, for petitioner.
Darryl Wishard, Esq., U. S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C., for respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
Roth, Special Master:
On October 29, 2014, Amanda Isaacson (“Ms. Isaacson,” or “petitioner”) timely filed a
petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §
300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act” or “Program”), alleging that an influenza (“flu”) vaccination
she received on November 3, 2011 caused her to develop glomerular nephritis.3 Petition at 1-2.
1
This Ruling has been designated “to be published,” which means I am directing it to be posted on the
Court of Federal Claims’s website, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-
347, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (codified as amended at 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2006)). This means the Ruling
will be available to anyone with access to the internet. However, the parties may object to the Ruling’s
inclusion of certain kinds of confidential information. Specifically, under Vaccine Rule 18(b), each party
has fourteen days within which to request redaction “of any information furnished by that party: (1) that is
a trade secret or commercial or financial in substance and is privileged or confidential; or (2) that includes
medical files or similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
privacy.” Vaccine Rule 18(b). Otherwise, the whole Ruling will be available to the public. Id.2
National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease
of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa
(2012).
3
Petitioner initially included a claim that she suffered from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
(“POTS”). Petitioner filed an expert report from Dr. Younger, a neurologist, and supporting medical
literature. Pet. Ex. 15-16, ECF No. 22; Pet. Ex. 17-18, ECF No. 23; Pet. Ex. 19, ECF No. 24. Following a
An entitlement hearing was held on January 24 and 25, 2019, in Washington, D.C. For the
reasons stated herein, I find that petitioner’s evidence is sufficient to demonstrate that the flu
vaccine she received on November 3, 2011 more likely than not caused her development of
glomerular nephritis. Accordingly, I find that petitioner is entitled to compensation.
I. Issues to be Determined
The parties agree that petitioner received a flu shot on November 3, 2011; she was
subsequently diagnosed with glomerulonephritis (“GN”) with monoclonal IgG deposits within
days of the vaccination; and she experienced sequelae of her GN for more than six months. Joint
Sub. at 1. The parties disagree that the flu vaccine can cause GN with monoclonal IgG deposits,
that it did so in this case, and/or that petitioner developed GN within a medically appropriate
timeframe following her flu vaccination to support causation. Id. at 1-2. Respondent submits that
petitioner had a “pre-existing, chronic, and underlying but silent nephrotic condition that
coincidentally manifested after her flu vaccination.” Id. at 1. Petitioner did not advance a claim
that the flu vaccine she received significantly aggravated a preexisting kidney disease. Id.
II. Background
A. Procedural History
Petitioner filed her petition (“Pet.”) on October 29, 2014 and filed medical records through
January of 2015. See Pet., ECF No. 1; Petitioner’s Exhibits (“Pet. Ex.”) 1-10, ECF No. 7; Pet. Ex.
11, ECF No. 8; Pet. Ex. 12-13, ECF No. 12. On February 6, 2015, respondent filed a Rule 4(c)
Report (“Rule 4”) stating that compensation was not appropriate. ECF No. 13. On July 14, 2015,
petitioner filed an affidavit from her treating physician, Dr. Carey. Pet. Ex. 14, ECF No. 18.
This case was reassigned to me on January 14, 2016. ECF No. 27.
On March 1, 2016, respondent filed an expert report from Dr. Low, a neurologist, and
supporting medical literature. Resp. Ex. A-B, ECF No. 29; Resp. Ex. C-K, ECF No. 30. On March
2, 2016, respondent filed an expert report from Dr. Kaplan, a nephrologist, and supporting medical
literature. Resp. Ex. L-P, ECF No. 31.
Following a status conference on March 30, 2016, petitioner was ordered to file an expert
report from a nephrologist by May 31, 2016. Scheduling Order at 1, ECF No. 32. Petitioner was
also ordered to submit a settlement demand to respondent within 15 days of filing her expert report.
Id. at 2.
Following four extensions of time, petitioner filed an expert report from a nephrologist,
Dr. Kielstein, along with supporting medical literature, on January 31, 2017. Motion for Extension
of Time (“MFET”), ECF No. 34; Second MFET, ECF No. 35; Third MFET, ECF No. 36; Fourth
MFET, ECF No. 37; Pet. Ex. 21-38, ECF No. 38. Petitioner was ordered to file a status report
status conference on October 5, 2017 and discussion regarding petitioner’s claim for POTS, petitioner filed
a status report on December 4, 2017 formally advising she would not be pursuing her claim for POTS. See
Scheduling Order, ECF No. 48; Pet. S.R., ECF No. 50.
2
confirming that a settlement demand had been submitted to respondent by February 15, 2017. Non-
PDF Order, issued Jan. 31, 2017. On February 14, 2017, petitioner filed a status report requesting
until March 31, 2017, to submit a settlement demand to respondent. ECF No. 39. The deadline for
petitioner to submit a settlement demand was extended accordingly. Non-PDF Order, issued Feb.
14, 2017. Petitioner filed a status report (“Pet. S.R.”) on April 3, 2017, three days after the deadline,
requesting additional time to submit a settlement demand. Pet. S.R., ECF No. 40. The deadline
was extended to April 14, 2017. Non-PDF Order, issued Apr. 3, 2017. Petitioner failed to comply
with the Court’s order.
A status conference was held on April 26, 2017. Petitioner requested thirty days to file
updated medical records and a status report confirming that a settlement demand had been
submitted to respondent. A deadline was set for May 26, 2017. Scheduling Order, ECF No. 41.
On July 4, 2017, respondent filed a status report (“Resp. S.R.”) advising he was no longer
interested in settlement, along with a responsive expert report from Dr. Kaplan. Resp. S.R., ECF
No. 46; Resp. Ex. Q, ECF No. 47.
Petitioner filed a supplemental expert report from Dr. Kielstein on January 4, 2018. Pet.
Ex. 41, ECF No. 51.
A Rule 5 conference was held on February 27, 2018. Scheduling Order, ECF No. 53. I
noted that respondent’s expert, Dr. Kaplan, opined that petitioner suffered from a preexisting silent
kidney disease and ongoing chronic process. Id. at 2. I asked petitioner whether she would like to
amend the petition to include a claim for significant aggravation. Id. Petitioner did not file an
amended petition.
A prehearing order was issued on April 27, 2018, setting this matter for an entitlement
hearing on January 24 and 25, 2019 in Washington, D.C. Prehearing Order, ECF No. 59.
Petitioner filed her pre-hearing brief on November 29, 2018. ECF No. 60. Respondent filed
his pre-hearing brief on December 10, 2018. ECF No. 63.
An entitlement hearing was held in Washington, D.C. on January 24 and 25, 2019.
Following the hearing, petitioner filed demonstrative exhibits used by Dr. Kielstein, and
respondent filed an updated CV for Dr. Kaplan. See Pet. Ex. 50-51, ECF No. 76; Resp. Ex. V, ECF
No. 77.
The parties filed their post hearing briefs on June 14, 2019. ECF Nos. 88-89.
This matter is now ripe for decision.
B. Medical History
1. Petitioner’s Health Before Receiving the Flu Vaccine
3
Petitioner was born on April 21, 1985. Pet. Ex. 47 at 9. Her prior medical history included
migraines since the age of 11 or 12, tension headaches, and skin rashes. Id. at 13, 18. She also
suffered from neck and back pain associated with an automobile accident in August of 2006. Id.
In 2009, petitioner reported bladder infections about every six months but was otherwise
healthy. Pet. Ex. 47 at 9. She had a family history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, lung cancer,
migraines, and fibromyalgia. Id. at 13; Pet. Ex. 48 at 27. An MRI of her head was ordered following
a headache for seven days and was unremarkable but for chronic sinus infections. Pet. Ex. 47 at
27.
Petitioner presented for routine examinations over the years, at which time blood work and
urine testing were performed. Her laboratory results were generally normal. See generally Pet. Ex.
47; Pet. Ex. 50.
In 2010, petitioner underwent sinuplasty and septoplasty for deviated septum and recurring
sinus infections. Pet. Ex. 47 at 61-62, 64. She also underwent routine care for pregnancy with her
first child, who was born on December 12, 2010 without event. See generally Pet. Ex. 48. She
received an influenza vaccine in October of 2010 without event. Pet. Ex. 47 at 211.
2. Petitioner’s Health After Receiving the Flu Vaccine
Petitioner is a nurse and received the allegedly causal influenza vaccine on November 3,
2011 while at work. Pet. Ex. 1 at 1.
Five days later, on November 8, 2011, petitioner presented to the ER at Oconomowoc
Memorial Hospital (“OMH”) complaining of fever, headache, neck and back pain, chills,
myalgias, sweats, and vomiting ongoing for two days. Pet. Ex. 2 at 8. She did not have cough,
diarrhea, or an upper respiratory infection. Id. She was diagnosed with renal insufficiency,
dehydration, and a urinary tract infection. Id. at 11. She tested negative for strep. Pet. Ex. 12 at 1.
She was given IV fluids, an antibiotic and discharged. Pet. Ex. 2 at 10-11.
On November 10, 2011, petitioner returned to the ER in renal failure with hematuria. Pet.
Ex. 2 at 101-07. Her visit two days prior in which she had an elevated creatinine4 level of 3.0 that
decreased to 2.7 after four liters of fluid was noted. Id. at 103. She was still not feeling well. Id. at
104. She was drinking fluids and “putting out a good amount of urine.” Id. Urine culture on this
date came back positive for E. coli with an elevated creatinine level at 3.7, and BUN5 of 30. Id.
4
Creatinine level is used to measure renal function. See Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory
Tests 171 (Pagana eds., 6th ed. 2018) [hereinafter “Mosby’s”]. An increased creatinine level indicates a
disease affecting renal function, such as glomerulonephritis. Id. at 172. A normal creatinine level for a
woman between 18 and 41 years old is 0.5 to 1.0 mg/dL; a creatinine level greater than 4.0 mg/dL indicates
a serious impairment in renal function. Id. at 171.
5
“BUN,” or blood urea nitrogen, is an indirect measurement of renal function and glomerular filtration rate.
Mosby’s at 453-54. The BUN/creatinine ratio is a good measurement of kidney and liver function. Id. at
454. A normal adult range is 6 to 25. Id.
4
She was admitted for further management and reversal of renal insufficiency. Id. at 104-05, 372-
73.
A kidney biopsy performed revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis, immune complex-
type. Pet. Ex. 2 at 531. “[T]his patient has a diffuse extracapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis
(crescentic glomerulonephritis). The presence of IgG Kappa predominance by IF is suggestive of
a new glomerular entity termed proliferative glomerulonephritis monoclonal IgG Kappa.” Id. The
biopsy revealed the presence of two fragments of renal cortex containing nine glomeruli,6 two of
which were globally sclerotic.7 Id. Five non-globally sclerotic glomeruli contained fresh and
cellular crescents, almost all of which were circumferential and associated with some breaks in the
glomerular basement membrane. Id. at 531-32. There was necrosis8 of one glomerular tuft and two
glomeruli showed segmental sclerosis. Id. at 532. Massive protein droplets were seen in the
residual proximal tubules.9 Id. There was acute tubular necrosis10 with infiltration of polys around
several of the tubules.11 Id. Many tubules contained red blood cells. Id. Hydropic degeneration12
was noted within the proximal tubules. Id. There was 4+ diffuse interstitial13 inflammation by
reactive lymphocytes.14 Id. No vasculitis15 was identified in the section studied. Id. Predominant
6
“Glomeruli” is the plural of glomerulus; the glomerular tuft is formed by capillaries in the kidney and is
the site of the filtration barrier between the blood and the kidney. Glomeruli, DORLAND’S ILLUSTRATED
MEDICAL DICTIONARY 778 (33d ed. 2020) [hereinafter “DORLAND’S”]. at 777; glomerulus, DORLAND’S
at 778.
7
Sclerosis is hardening of a tissue. Sclerosis, DORLAND’S at 1652.
8
“Necrosis” means physical changes indicative of cell death, caused by progressive degradation action of
enzymes. Necrosis, DORLAND’S at 1218.
9
A tubule is one of the minute, reabsorptive, secretory, and collecting canals, made up of basement
membrane, that form much of the parenchyma of a kidney. Tubulus renalis, DORLAND’S at 1953-54.
10
Acute tubular necrosis is acute renal failure with mild to severe damage or necrosis of tubule cells. Acute
tubular necrosis, DORLAND’S at 1218.
11
“Poly” is the colloquial name for a polymorphonuclear leukocyte, a type of white blood cell. Poly,
DORLAND’S at 1463; leukocyte, DORLAND’S at 1015.
12
Hydropic degeneration is the swelling of cells caused by accumulation of intracellular water in response
to cell injury. Hydropic degeneration, DORLAND’S at 474.
13
Interstitial tissue, or connective tissue, binds together and supports the various structures in the body.
Interstitial tissue, STEDMAN’S MEDICAL DICTIONARY 922360, accessed via westlaw.com (last visited Oct.
9, 2020) [hereinafter STEDMAN’S]; connective tissue, DORLAND’S at 1901.
14
A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell. Lymphocyte, DORLAND’S at 1070; leukocyte, DORLAND’S at
1015.
15
Vasculitis is inflammation of a blood or lymph vessel. Vasculitis, DORLAND’S at 1996.
5
findings were IgG, C3, and Kappa 3-4+ staining in the mesangial16 and capillary walls. Id. IgA,
IgM, C4, C1q, albumin, and fibrinogen17 were all negative and Lambda18 had much less staining
at 12+ compared to Kappa. Id.
Based on the foregoing renal biopsy result, petitioner was diagnosed with acute renal
failure, characterized as acute proliferative crescentic glomerulonephritis, also known as rapidly
progressive glomerulonephritis (“RPGN”) by renal biopsy.19 Pet. Ex. 2 at 105-07. She was treated
with plasmapheresis and prednisolone. Id. Petitioner required only three of the planned five
treatments due to her rapid improvement. Id. at 107. She developed sinus bradycardia after the
second round of plasmapheresis. Id. at 101. At discharge on November 17, 2011, her treating
nephrologist, Dr. Carey, listed petitioner’s diagnosis as acute renal failure, confirmed as acute
proliferative crescentic glomerulonephritis, sinus bradycardia, and volume overload. Id. at 105-06.
Dr. Carey further noted, “It is believed that since the patient got her influenza vaccination which
actually prompted her trips to the ER for nausea and emesis, the flu vaccine may have been the
stimulus for the rapidly progressive crescenteric GN.” Id. at 107. Another of petitioner’s treaters,
Dr. Taft, noted, “This is a young lady who is experiencing any (sic) glomerulonephritis following
an influenza vaccine. Temporally, the two have to be related.” Id. at 138.
Petitioner presented to her gynecologist on November 30, 2011. She advised that she
needed to go back on birth control due to severe renal problems and the need for steroids and other
medication. Pet. Ex. 48 at 4.
Two months later, on January 20, 2012, petitioner presented to OMH following eight days
of nausea and new-onset vomiting. Pet. Ex. 2 at 550-51. She was admitted due to a concern for
neurocardiogenic abnormality. Id. at 556. She was discharged on January 22, 2012, with a normal
echocardiogram, mild gastritis, and a headache believed to be related to prednisone, for which
Fioricet was prescribed. Id. at 559-62. She had mild orthostatic symptoms and Dr. Carey instructed
her to wean prednisone as quickly as possible.20 Id.
Petitioner continued her nephrology care with Dr. Carey. See generally Pet. Ex. 4.
Petitioner gave birth to her second child, a healthy baby girl, on July 3, 2013. See generally Pet.
16
“Mesangial” means pertaining to the mesangium, the thin membrane that helps support the capillary
loops in the renal glomerulus. Mesangium, DORLAND’S at 1122.
17
“Fibrinogen” is factor I, a type of coagulation factor. Fibrinogen, DORLAND’S at 694. Coagulation factors
are substances in the blood that are essential to the clotting process. Coagulation factors, DORLAND’S at
667.
18
“Lambda” refers to a type of light chain found in immunoglobulin molecules. Lambda chain, DORLAND’S
at 330.
19
RPGN is an acute form of glomerulonephritis marked by a rapid progression to end-stage renal disease
and, histologically, by profuse epithelial proliferation, often with epithelial crescents; principal signs are
proteinuria, hematuria, and anemia. Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, DORLAND’S at 778.
20
As petitioner no longer alleges that she suffers from POTS as a result of the flu vaccine, the medical
records regarding treatment for POTS are not included in this summary.
6
Ex. 6; Pet. Ex. 10.
Over four years later, on January 31, 2016, petitioner was admitted to OMH with a relapse
of crescentic glomerulonephritis. Pet. Ex. 40 at 382. She presented with a two-day history of fever,
chills, body aches, and nausea attributed to a “viral GI bug her daughter had a few days prior.” Id.
She had a fever of 100.4 degrees, with labs remarkable for a white blood cell (“WBC”) count of
17.67. Id. Urinalysis revealed blood, ketones, protein and some WBCs, “though chronically, she
has blood and protein in her urine.” Id. Rocephin was started and she was admitted for sepsis. Id.
A renal biopsy was performed on February 3, 2016 which showed 14 glomeruli, four of which
were globally sclerotic, and five crescents. Id. at 550. Two other glomeruli showed focal
necrotizing areas. Id. There was moderate tubular atrophy and mild interstitial fibrosis involving
about 15% of the interstitial compartment. Id. at 551. Overall, the biopsy was “consistent with the
crescentic form of proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits…This would
represent a recurrence.” Id. at 550. “It was felt that her viral illness triggered this episode of GN.”
Id. at 382. She was started on high-dose Solumedrol and transferred to Waukesha Memorial
Hospital for initiation of plasmapheresis and Cytoxan. Id. Antibiotics were discontinued. Id.
Thereafter, Dr. Carey referred petitioner to the Mayo Clinic for evaluation. Pet. Ex. 20.
Following a full history and examination at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Green’s impression was
“immunosuppression responsive disease” reduced by re-initiation of immunosuppressive therapy.
Pet. Ex. 20 at 5. Petitioner had “steroid-induced cushingoid21 appearance” and was slightly anemic.
Id. She was on chronic Cytoxan therapy. Id. A nephropathology report dated April 21, 2016
compared petitioner’s biopsies from November 2011 and February 2016 and concluded that she
had proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG kappa deposits with necrotizing and
crescentic activity and minimal chronicity. Id. at 11-12. Dr. Greene wrote, “It is difficult to know
specifically if the vaccine and/or related issues caused her acute crescentic GN. It is certainly
within the realm of possibility with acute antibody formation. I will discuss with some of our
colleagues in Infectious Disease to determine how much of a potential reaction has been reported
with the influenza vaccine as a cause of kidney disease.” Id. at 5.
C. Affidavit and Testimony of Amanda Isaacson
Petitioner is a registered nurse who previously worked triage. At the time of the hearing,
she worked at a behavioral health facility as the manager of infection control and wellness. Tr. 7-
8. She is married with two children. Tr. 6, 14.
On November 3, 2011, when petitioner received the flu vaccine, she had no health
concerns. Tr. 8-9. She had occasional UTIs but did not have hypertension or any other conditions.
Tr. 9.
Three days after the flu vaccine, on November 6, 2011, petitioner described onset of
headache, body aches, and typical viral symptoms. Tr. 10; Pet. Ex. 3 at 1. She affirmed her
21
“Cushingoid” means resembling the features, symptoms, and signs associated with Cushing syndrome.
Cushingoid, DORLAND’S at 444. Symptoms of Cushing syndrome include fat deposits on the face, neck,
and trunk, dusky complexion with purple striae, and muscular wasting and weakness. Cushing syndrome,
DORLAND’S at 1797.
7
symptoms progressed; the next day, she developed severe chills and neck pain, “[a]nd as a triage
nurse, I know that’s a very big concern.” Tr. 10-11. She stated she had flu-like symptoms before,
but never anything that made her stay in bed or home from work. Tr. 11.
Petitioner presented to the emergency room on November 8, 2011 and was diagnosed with
a urinary tract infection and increased creatinine levels. Pet. Ex. 3 at 2. She returned on November
10, 2011 and was admitted. Id. She was treated by Dr. Carey, a nephrologist, who ordered a renal
biopsy, which showed acute crescentic glomerulonephritis. Id. As a result, she remained in the
hospital until November 17, 2011. Id.
Petitioner affirmed that she continued to follow up with Dr. Carey over the next few months
so that he could monitor her renal function. Pet. Ex. 3 at 3.22
Petitioner stated in January of 2016, she presented to the ER with symptoms similar to
those in November of 2011. Tr. 12. “[S]o it started with a headache and nausea, just as it previously
had done. Symptoms continued to worsen over the next two days, again, starting with fever, chills,
body aches to where I was in bed all day.” Tr. 12. Once in the hospital, she was tested for flu and
other viruses, and it was determined to be a relapse of RPGN. Tr. 12. Petitioner affirmed that she
continues to suffer from complications associated with renal failure and glomerulonephritis, which
she was informed are permanent. Pet. Ex. 3 at 6.
Petitioner confirmed receipt of flu vaccinations in 2009 and 2010, without event. Tr. 13-
14. She has not received a flu vaccine since November 3, 2011. Tr. 14. Both her nephrologist, Dr.
Carey, and her primary care physician have advised her not to receive any further vaccinations.
Tr. 15. “Dr. Carey determined that my kidney related conditions were caused by the administration
of the [flu] vaccination on [November 3, 2011].” Pet. Ex. 3 at 6.
D. Affidavit of Dr. Mark Carey
Dr. Mark Carey is a board-certified nephrologist and is petitioner’s treating doctor since
her presentation with renal failure on November 10, 2011. Pet. Ex. 14 at 1-2. Dr. Carey affirmed,
in his opinion, petitioner “suffered an acute and rapidly progressive proliferative crescentic
glomerulonephritis” and that “the administration of the influenza vaccination on November 3,
2011 triggered [petitioner’s] glomerulonephritis condition….” Id. at 8. He further affirmed that
petitioner suffers from residual effects or complications from the glomerulonephritis since the date
of the administration of the vaccination and although she is in remission, she has suffered
permanent kidney damage as a result of the acute onset of this disease. Id. Dr. Carey added that
she “will not be able to receive vaccinations due to the potential harm they pose given her damaged
kidneys.” Id.
Dr. Carey affirmed that “it is more likely than not” the influenza vaccine caused petitioner’s
glomerulonephritis. Pet. Ex. 14 at 8-9. He further affirmed that “[i]t has been accepted that after
vaccinations,” the risk of immune response related diseases increases. Id. at 9. For example,
influenza vaccine is widely known as a risk for peripheral nerve disorders such as Guillain-Barré
22
The portion of petitioner’s affidavit concerning POTS is not being included since petitioner did not pursue
that claim.
8
syndrome (“GBS”), which is an autoimmune condition related to acquired heightened antibody-
mediated humoral immunity. Id.23 Dr. Carey posited that the flu vaccination led to an acquired
heightened immunity in petitioner, similar to GBS, as a result of exposure to either inactivated
vaccine viral particles or the preservative in the vaccine. Id. This led to petitioner’s development
of crescentic glomerulonephritis. Id. In Dr. Carey’s opinion, the time between petitioner’s
vaccination and the onset of her injury conformed to the usual pattern for post-vaccination
reactions. Id. Dr. Carey affirmed that he considered alternative reasons for the sudden onset of
petitioner’s symptoms but could find no reasonable alternative causation for petitioner’s crescentic
glomerulonephritis. Id. at 10.
III. The Retained Experts
A. Petitioner’s Expert, Dr. Jan Kielstein
Dr. Kielstein is a nephrologist who is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology
in Germany. Pet. Ex. 21 at 2; Tr. 16. He is the director of the Department of Nephrology,
Hypertension, and Blood Purification at the Academic Teaching Hospital in Braunschweig,
Germany, where he treats the whole spectrum of nephrological diseases, with the exception of
immediate post-kidney transplant patients. Id. Dr. Kielstein is also an Associate Professor of
Medicine at the Hanover Medical School in Hanover, Germany, a subspecialty editor for acute
kidney injury in Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation, and a member of the Board of Trustees
of the International Society for Apheresis. Id. He is scientifically active, as evidenced by over 247
peer reviewed publications listed in the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Id.
At the time of hearing, Dr. Kielstein was working at a 1500-bed tertiary care hospital. Tr.
17. He explained tertiary care as the highest level of medical/clinical service in the hospital. Tr.
17. “So we start where other hospitals give up.” Tr. 17. It is also a teaching hospital; he teaches
medical student in their last year of medical school, as well as residents and fellows. Tr. 17-18.
Dr. Kielstein was involved in one other case in the Vaccine Program, after which he began
“investigating the effect of flu vaccine on renal kidney injury markers.” Tr. 18. He began asking
patients presenting with acute renal illness if they had vaccinations prior to their acute illnesses.
Tr. 18. As a result, “we have published two cases in which there is a temporal[,] and in my view,
pathophysiological possible relationship between the vaccine and the onset of the renal disease.
And I think that interest kind of qualified me to be here.” Tr. 19.
B. Respondent’s Expert, Dr. Bernard Kaplan
Dr. Kaplan was a pediatric nephrologist. He retired two years prior to this hearing. Tr. 85.
Dr. Kaplan was the Chief of Pediatric Nephrology at The Montreal Children’s Hospital from 1980
to 1987 and subsequently at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (“CHOP”) from 1987 to 2010.
Resp. Ex. L at 1. From 2010 until his retirement, he was an attending pediatric nephrologist at
CHOP. Id. Dr. Kaplan is currently an emeritus professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the
department of pediatrics and an emeritus nephrologist at CHOP. Tr. 85. He is board-certified in
23
See Helmar C. Lehmann et al., Guillain-Barre Syndrome After Exposure to Influenza Virus, 10 LANCET
INFECT. DIS. 643-51 (2010), filed as “Resp. Ex. O.”
9
pediatrics and pediatric nephrology. Resp. Ex. L at 1. He has published papers and chapters on the
subject of glomerulonephritis and has co-edited a textbook in which this condition is discussed,
PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY AND UROLOGY: THE REQUISITES IN PEDIATRICS (1st ed., 2005). Id. Dr.
Kaplan has a total of 50 years of involvement with treating patients with glomerulonephritis and
glomerular disorders. Id.; Tr. 93. At hearing, Dr. Kaplan shared that the proudest accomplishments
during a medical career are theories and/or hypotheses that, with time, develop into a connection
with injury or disease. He discussed several examples of this phenomenon in his own career,
including a connection between indomethacin and kidney disease, as well as the pathogenesis of
IgA nephropathy. Tr. 87-93, 105-06. Dr. Kaplan’s life’s work deals with the discoveries of
circulating antigens from medications and/or diseases in the body infiltrating the kidney and
causing GN, noting the importance of reporting case studies which can grow into connections
being made.
Dr. Kaplan has testified in Vaccine Program cases three or four times and has written two
or three additional opinions. He has testified for both defendant and plaintiff in medical
malpractice cases. Tr. 93, 150-51.
IV. Applicable Law
A. Legal Standard Regarding Causation
The Vaccine Act provides two avenues for petitioners to receive compensation. First, a
petitioner may demonstrate a “Table” injury—i.e., an injury listed on the Vaccine Injury Table
that occurred within the provided time period. 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-11(c)(1)(C)(i). “In such a case,
causation is presumed.” Capizzano v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 440 F.3d 1317, 1320 (Fed.
Cir. 2006); see § 13(a)(1)(B). Second, where the alleged injury is not listed on the Vaccine Injury
Table, a petitioner may demonstrate an “off-Table” injury, which requires that the petitioner
“prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the vaccine at issue caused the injury.” Capizzano,
440 F.3d at 1320; see § 11(c)(1)(C)(ii). A petitioner need not show that the vaccination was the
sole cause, or even the predominant cause, of the alleged injury; showing that the vaccination was
a “substantial factor” and a “but for” cause of the injury is sufficient for recovery. Pafford v. Sec’y
of Health & Human Servs., 451 F.3d 1352, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2006); Shyface v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 165 F.3d 1344, 1352 (Fed. Cir. 1999).24 Petitioners are not required “to eliminate
alternative causes as part of establishing [their] prima facie case.” Doe v. Sec’y of Health & Human
Servs., 601 F.3d 1349, 1357-58 (Fed. Cir. 2010); see Walther v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs.,
485 F.3d 1146, 1152 (Fed. Cir. 2007) (holding that a “petitioner does not bear the burden of
eliminating alternative independent potential causes”). Once a petitioner has proven causation by
preponderant evidence, “the burden then shifts to the respondent to show by a preponderance of
the evidence that the injury is due to factors unrelated to the administration of the vaccine.”
Deribeaux ex rel. Deribeaux v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 717 F.3d 1363, 1367 (Fed. Cir.
2013) (citing 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-13(a)(1)(B)).
24
The Vaccine Act also requires petitioners to show by preponderant evidence that the “residual effects or
complications” of the alleged vaccine-related injury lasted for more than six months. § 11(c)(1)(D)(i). It is
undisputed that this six-month requirement is satisfied in this case.
10
To prove causation, petitioners must satisfy the three-pronged test established in Althen v.
Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 418 F.3d 1274 (Fed. Cir. 2005). Althen requires that petitioners
show by preponderant evidence that a vaccination petitioner received caused his or her injury “by
providing: (1) a medical theory causally connecting the vaccination and the injury; (2) a logical
sequence of cause and effect showing that the vaccination was the reason for the injury; and (3) a
showing of a proximate temporal relationship between vaccination and injury.” Id. at 1278.
Together, these prongs must show “that the vaccine was ‘not only a but-for cause of the injury but
also a substantial factor in bringing about the injury.’” Stone v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs.,
676 F.3d 1373, 1379 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (quoting Shyface, 165 F.3d at 1352-53). Causation is
determined on a case-by-case basis, with “no hard and fast per se scientific or medical rules.”
Knudsen v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 35 F.3d 543, 548 (Fed. Cir. 1994). Petitioners are not
required to identify “specific biological mechanisms” to establish causation, nor are they required
to present “epidemiologic studies, rechallenge, the presence of pathological markers or genetic
disposition, or general acceptance in the scientific or medical communities.” Capizzano, 440 F.3d
at 1325 (quoting Althen, 418 F.3d at 1280). “[C]lose calls regarding causation are resolved in favor
of injured claimants.” Althen, 418 F.3d at 1280.
Each of the Althen prongs requires a different showing. Under the first Althen prong,
petitioner must provide a “reputable medical theory” demonstrating that the vaccine received can
cause the type of injury alleged. Pafford, 451 F.3d at 1355-56 (citation omitted). To satisfy this
prong, petitioner’s “theory of causation must be supported by a ‘reputable medical or scientific
explanation.’” Andreu ex rel. Andreu v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 569 F.3d 1367, 1379
(Fed. Cir. 2009) (quoting Althen, 418 F.3d at 1278). This theory need only be “legally probable,
not medically or scientifically certain.” Id. at 1380 (emphasis omitted) (quoting Knudsen, 35 F.3d
at 548). Nevertheless, “petitioners [must] proffer trustworthy testimony from experts who can find
support for their theories in medical literature.” LaLonde v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 746
F.3d 1334, 1341.
The second Althen prong requires proof of a “logical sequence of cause and effect.”
Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1326 (quoting Althen, 418 F.3d at 1278). Even if the vaccination can cause
the injury, petitioner must show “that it did so in [this] particular case.” Hodges v. Sec’y of Health
& Human Servs., 9 F.3d 958, 962 n.4 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (citation omitted). “A reputable medical or
scientific explanation must support this logical sequence of cause and effect,” id. at 961 (citation
omitted), and “treating physicians are likely to be in the best position to determine whether a
logical sequence of cause and effect show[s] that the vaccination was the reason for the injury,”
Paluck v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 786 F.3d 1373, 1385 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (quoting Andreu,
569 F.3d at 1375).
However, medical records and/or statements of a treating physician’s view do not per se
bind the special master to adopt the conclusions of such an individual, even if they must be
considered and carefully evaluated. Section 12(b)(1)(providing that “[a]ny such diagnosis,
conclusion, judgment, test result, report or summary shall not be binding on the special master or
court.”); Snyder v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 88 Fed. Cl. 706, 746 n.67 (2009)(“there is
nothing…that mandates that the testimony of a treating physician is sacrosanct—that it must be
accepted in its entirety and cannot be rebutted”). As with expert testimony offered to establish a
theory of causation, the opinions or diagnoses of treating physicians are only as trustworthy as the
11
reasonableness of their suppositions or bases. The views of treating physicians should also be
weighed against other, contrary evidence also present in the record – including conflicting opinions
among such individuals. Hibbard v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 100 Fed. Cl. 742, 749 (2011)
(determining it is not arbitrary or capricious for a special master to weigh competing treating
physicians’ conclusions against each other), aff’d. 698 F.3d 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2012); Caves v. Sec’y
of Health & Human Servs., 100 Fed. Cl. 119, 136 (2011), aff’d, 463 Fed. Appx. 932 (Fed. Cir.
2012); Veryzer v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 06-522V, 2011 WL 1935813, at *17 (Fed.
Cl. Spec. Mstr. Apr. 229, 2011), mot. for review den’d, 100 Fed. Cl. 344 (Sept. 29, 2011), aff’d,
475 Fed. Appx. 765 (Fed. Cir. 2012).
The third Althen prong requires that petitioner establish a “proximate temporal
relationship” between the vaccination and the alleged injury. Althen, 418 F.3d at 1281. This
“requires preponderant proof that the onset of symptoms occurred within a timeframe for which,
given the medical understanding of the disorder’s etiology, it is medically acceptable to infer
causation-in-fact.” De Bazan v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 539 F.3d 1347, 1352 (Fed. Cir.
2008). Typically, “a petitioner’s failure to satisfy the proximate temporal relationship prong is due
to the fact that onset was too late after the administration of a vaccine for the vaccine to be the
cause.” Id. However, “cases in which onset is too soon” also fail this prong; “in either case, the
temporal relationship is not such that it is medically acceptable to conclude that the vaccination
and the injury are causally linked.” Id.; see also Locane v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 685
F.3d 1375, 1381 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (“[If] the illness was present before the vaccine was administered,
logically, the vaccine could not have caused the illness.”).
B. Evaluating Expert Testimony
Establishing a sound and reliable medical theory often requires a petitioner to present
expert testimony in support of his claim. Lampe v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 219 F.3d
1357, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2000). Vaccine Program expert testimony is usually evaluated according to
the factors for analyzing scientific reliability set forth in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharm., Inc., 509
U.S. 579, 594-96 (1991).25 Cedillo v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 617 F.3d 1328, 1339 (Fed.
Cir. 2010) (citing Terran v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 195 F.3d. 1302, 1316 (Fed. Cir.
1999)).
The Daubert factors are usually employed by judges in the performance of their evidentiary
gatekeeper roles to exclude evidence that is unreliable and/or could confuse the jury. In Vaccine
Program cases, by contrast, these factors are used in the weighing of the reliability of scientific
evidence proffered. Davis v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 94 Fed. Cl. 53, 66-67 (2010)
(“uniquely in this Circuit, the Daubert factors have been employed also as an acceptable
evidentiary-gauging tool with respect to persuasiveness of expert testimony already admitted”).
The flexible use of the Daubert factors to evaluate the persuasiveness of expert testimony has
routinely been upheld. See, e.g., Snyder, 88 Fed. Cl. at 742-45. In this case, as in numerous other
25
The Daubert factors for analyzing the reliability of testimony are: (1) whether a theory or technique can
be (and has been) tested; (2) whether the theory or technique has been subjected to peer review and
publication; (3) whether there is a known or potential rate of error and whether there are standards for
controlling the error; and (4) whether the theory or technique enjoys general acceptance within a relevant
scientific community.” Terran, 195 F.3d at 1316 n.2 (citing Daubert, 509 U.S. at 592-95).
12
Vaccine Program cases, Daubert has not been employed to determine what evidence should be
admitted, but rather to determine whether expert testimony offered is reliable and/or persuasive.
Where both sides offer expert testimony, a special master’s decision may be “based on the
credibility of the experts and the relative persuasiveness of their competing theories.”
Broekelschen v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 618 F.3d 1339, 1347 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (citing
Lampe, 219 F.3d at 1362). However, nothing requires the acceptance of an expert’s conclusion,
“connected to existing data only by the ipse dixit of the expert,” especially if “there is simply too
great an analytical gap between the data and the opinion proffered.” Snyder, 88 Fed. Cl. at 743
(quoting Gen. Elec. Co. v. Joiner, 522 U.S. 136, 146 (1997)); see also Isaac v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., No. 08-601V, 2012 WL 3609993, at *17 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. July 30, 2012), mot.
for review den’d, 108 Fed. Cl. 743 (2013), aff’d, 540 F. Appx. 999 (Fed. Cir. 2013) (citing Cedillo,
617 F.3d at 1339). Weighing the relative persuasiveness of competing expert testimony, based on
a particular expert’s credibility, is part of the overall reliability analysis to which special masters
must subject expert testimony in Vaccine Program cases. Moberly v. Sec’y of Health & Human
Servs., 592 F.3d 1315, 1325-26 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (“[a]ssessments as to the reliability of expert
testimony often turn on credibility determinations”); see also Porter v. Sec’y of Health & Human
Servs., 663 F.3d 1242, 1250 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (“this court has unambiguously explained that special
masters are expected to consider the credibility of expert witnesses in evaluating petitions for
compensation under the Vaccine Act.”).
C. Consideration of Medical Literature
Finally, although this decision discusses many but not all the literature in detail which was
submitted by the parties, the undersigned reviewed and considered all of the medical records and
literature submitted in this matter. See Moriarty ex rel. Moriarty v. Sec’y of Health & Human
Servs., 844 F.3d 1322, 1328 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (“We generally presume that a special master
considered the relevant record evidence even though [s]he does not explicitly reference such
evidence in h[er] decision.”); Simanski v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 115 Fed. Cl. 407, 436
(2014) (“[A] Special Master is ‘not required to discuss every piece of evidence or testimony in her
decision.’” (citation omitted)), aff’d, 601 F. Appx. 982 (Fed. Cir. 2015).
V. Analysis
A. Overview of acute proliferative crescentic glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG
deposits (“PGNMID”) and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (“RPGN”)26
Dr. Kielstein explained that “glomerulonephritis” is a general term used to describe injury
to the glomeruli. It is also the heading for many different injuries to the kidney, including
PGNMID, proliferative immune complex-mediated GN, post-infectious GN, immune-mediated
GN, and RPGN. Tr. 22. All these conditions are forms of “glomerulonephritis” but the conditions
themselves are not interchangeable. Tr. 22.
26
At the beginning of the hearing, it was agreed that RPGN would be used throughout the hearing to refer
to petitioner’s injury; however, as citations to the transcript will show, that did not end up being the case.
13
Dr. Kaplan defined RPGN as “any glomerular disease characterized by extensive crescents
(usually involving more than 50% of the glomeruli) as the main histological finding and correlated
clinically by a rapid loss of renal function (usually a 50% decline in the GFR within 3 months).”
Resp. Ex. L at 4.
Dr. Kielstein went further, describing RPGN as “the renal equivalent of breaking the dam.”
Tr. 21. According to Dr. Kielstein, blood vessels in the part of the kidney called the glomerular
tuft are normally “tight and sealed, and they only permit certain substances of fluid to move”
through a barrier. In RPGN, the barrier in the glomerulus suffers severe damage and is broken. As
a result, blood components pour into that space “and you get accumulation of a lot of different
things in a very confined space. This is building up and kind of compressing the vessels in the
glomerulus and it’s a sign of severe renal damage.” Tr. 21. Clinical signs of RPGN include severe
and rapid deterioration of renal function with red blood cells in the urine, edema, and hypertension.
Tr. 21-22.
Dr. Kielstein further explained that RPGN has many causes and, because it is an antibody-
mediated disease, it can be caused by any disease that causes antibodies to attack the kidney. Tr.
23. For example, Goodpasture syndrome occurs when antibodies attack a very well-defined and
specific part of the glomerular basement membrane, the alpha-3 chain of type IV collagen, and
destroy the membrane and glomerular barrier function. Tr. 23-24. In lupus, immune complexes27
form in the glomerular basement membrane, causing disruption to the membrane. Tr. 24. Pauci-
immune GN is an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (“ANCA” or “AAV”)
where damage is done, not by immune complexes or antibodies, but by neutrophils or monocytes
that “have gone wild.” Tr. 24. About one percent of RPGN cases are idiopathic, where known
causes are excluded but no known underlying cause is found. Tr. 24, 81.
Dr. Kielstein explained that in immune-complex GNs, the immune complexes are
deposited in the glomerulus, where they bind complement28 and initiate an inflammatory process;
this attracts neutrophils and macrophages and results in an alteration to the basement layer of the
kidney. Immune-complex glomerulonephritis, STEDMAN’S at 375400. The difference between
immune complexes, which are the crystallization point of the injury, and a more specific immune
complex, like Pauci-immune GN, is the stimulant. Tr. 27-28. In Pauci-immune GN and C-ANCAs,
the stimulant is neutrophils, but in other immune complex GNs, the stimulant is cytokines and
eosinophils. Tr. 27-28. In RPGN, there is no single cause, but rather combinations of immune
complexes. Tr. 28. Monoclonal IgG is a type of immune complex; however, in contrast to
“classical” immune complexes, monoclonal IgG also involves the complement system. Tr. 27.
Dr. Kielstein relied on Nasr et al., who first described PGNMID in 2004. The name
PGNMID was assigned to 10 cases that did not fit the criteria for other kidney conditions. Pet. Ex.
27
An immune complex is an antigen combined with a specific antibody. Immune complex, STEDMAN’S at
194290.
28
The complement system is a group of more than 20 proteins which can participate in a cascade, resulting
in cell lysis. Complement system, STEDMAN’S at 892750.
14
26 at 2;29 see also Resp. Ex. T at 130 (Noting that the same authors described recurrent PGNMID
in patients two years post-kidney transplant). In these 10 cases, 100% of patients presented with
proteinuria, 80% with renal insufficiency, 60% with microhematuria, and 50% with monoclonal
or urine protein. Id. at 1, 5; see also Pet. Ex. 27 at 2 (summarizing the findings of the 2004 Nasr
study).
Further, Dr. Kielstein offered that Nasr distinguished PGNMID from other forms of
immune complex-mediated GN previously described, noting that the latter “are due to localization
in glomeruli of antibodies complexed to endogenous or exogenous antigens” while “[t]he absence
of underlying infectious, autoimmune, or other systemic disease in the vast majority of patients”
with newly observed PGNMID suggested “that monoclonal IgG is deposited as a free,
noncomplexed Ig that has the ability to aggregate to form definable electron dense deposits.” Pet.
Ex. 27 at 6-8; Resp. Ex. N at 6-7.
The Nasr study concluded with respect to PGNMID:
[W]e propose that this unique glomerulonephritis may arise in the course of normal
immune responses. It is possible that during an immune response (to extrinsic or
intrinsic antigens), one or more clones of B cells proliferate and produce
monoclonal IgG molecule (particularly IgG3) with ability to self-aggregate and
rapidly deposit in glomeruli through entrapment and/or interaction with negatively
charged glomerular constituents…The possibility of an oligoclonal response with
the same IgG light- and heavy-chain isotype cannot be excluded because
monoclonality can be proved only by immunoblotting/immunofixation techniques.
Pet. Ex. 27 at 8; Resp. Ex. N at 7.
Additionally, Dr. Kielstein relied on a 2017 case report of two patients with PGNMID
which noted, although the etiology of PGNMID is not well known, cases have been associated
with hematological and infectious causes. Resp. Ex. T at 4. The pathogenesis, outcome, and
management of PGNMID remain controversial. Id. However, treatment with immunosuppressive
agents seems to be effective. Pet. Ex. 27 at 7.
B. Petitioner Has Carried Her Burden of Proof
Application of the Althen prongs reveals evidence in support for petitioner’s claim: (1)
petitioner offered a persuasive medical theory; (2) the theory provided is applicable to the facts of
petitioner’s case; and (3) petitioner has established a medically acceptable timeframe in which her
symptoms could have begun or developed.
29
Samih H. Nasr et al., Proliferative Glomerulonephritis with Monoclonal IgG Deposits: A Distinct Entity
Mimicking Immune-Complex Glomerulonephritis, 65 KIDNEY INT. 85-96 (2004), filed as “Pet. Ex. 26.”
30
Basma Mehri et al., Proliferative Glomerulonephritis with Monoclonal IgG Deposits in Two Kidney
Allografts Successfully Treated with Rituximab, 10 CLIN. KIDNEY J. 405-10 (2017), filed as “Resp. Ex. T.”
15
1. Petitioner Has Articulated a Sound and Reliable Medical Theory Connecting the
Flu Vaccine to the Onset of RPGN/PGNMID.
To satisfy Althen Prong I, petitioner must present a “sound and reliable medical or scientific
explanation” causally connecting the vaccine to her alleged injuries. Knudsen, 35 F.3d at 548.
Dr. Kielstein opined that because the influenza vaccine causes the body to produce both
IgG antibodies and cytokines, which can act in concert to damage the glomerular basement
member, the influenza vaccine can trigger RPGN/PGNMID. Tr. 31.
Dr. Kielstein’s theory relies on the studies conducted by Nasr as described above, and
specifically in Nasr’s proposition that PGNMID may arise in the course of a normal immune
response to an antigen, where B cells produce monoclonal IgG molecules that self-aggregate and
rapidly deposit in glomeruli. See Tr. 74; Pet. Ex. 21 at 8-9, quoting Pet. Ex. 27 at 8.
Dr. Kielstein explained that the flu vaccine causes the immune system to produce IgG
antibodies which build up rapidly in the body. Studies have shown that “patients have a very high
and measurable IgG response” within seven days of vaccination. Tr. 29-30. Similarly, the flu
vaccine induces a cytokine response by the immune system. Tr. 30. These cytokines, including
interferon gamma and several types of interleukins, also build up rapidly, within three to seven
hours post-vaccination. Tr. 30. Interferon gamma and IgG are “both components…that are relevant
to the pathophysiology of an RPGN.” Tr. 30. The IgG antibodies can cause damage to the
glomerular basement membrane and the capillaries; this damage can be exacerbated by interferon
gamma. Tr. 31. The severity of RPGN increases with elevated interferon gamma levels. Tr. 31.
Further, Dr. Kielstein explained, through the same process that influenza virus can cause
PGNMID, the flu vaccine can cause PGNMID. “The influenza antigen and vaccine proteins share
substantial structural similarity, which raises the possibility that the influenza vaccine can activate
the same autoimmune mechanisms that are activated by infectious antigens.” Pet. Ex. 22 at 3.31
This concept is known as molecular mimicry, an antigen-specific phenomenon involving
“activation of autoreactive B and T cells due to antigen similarity between the host antigen and
microbial antigen.” Id. Infection-related signals can trigger innate immunity, which “enhances the
immunogenicity of host antigens and may play a role in overcoming the regulatory pathways that
limit the autoimmune response.” Id. The vaccine could provide “a transient inflammatory setting
for bystander activation resulting in release of previously sequestered self-antigens or stimulating
an innate response.” Id. Dr. Kielstein referred to the association between the flu vaccine and GBS
as an example of molecular mimicry between the flu vaccine and host tissue. Id.Dr. Kielstein explained how the viral RNA contained in the flu vaccine can trigger the
immune system to “target” the kidneys. Tr. 31-32. The “components of bacteria and viruses can
trigger an immune response resulting in an immune complex glomerulonephritis.” Tr. 32. The flu
vaccine triggers an IgG increase. Tr. 32. The viral RNA in the flu vaccine has been shown to
stimulate ANCA production, which is seen in Pauci-immune type of RPGN; the ANCAs trigger
neutrophils, which cause kidney damage. Tr. 32-33. While acknowledging that RPGN/PGNMID
31
Tanu Duggal et al., Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Vasculitis Associated with Influenza
Vaccination, 38 AM. J. NEPHROL. 174-78 (2013), filed as “Pet. Ex. 22.”
16
is not an ANCA-mediated disease, Dr. Kielstein opined that the viral RNA in the flu vaccine may
trigger the immune response in a similar manner. Tr. 33. He submitted a study of ANCA-associated
vasculitis (“AAV”) associated with flu vaccination to support this comparison. The study
documented two patients who developed AAV two weeks and four weeks after flu vaccination;
the authors also noted, “There are 6 previous cases of AAV in the literature described in temporal
association with administration of influenza vaccines.” Pet. Ex. 22 at 1. The authors concluded
that the flu vaccine “may be a triggering factor” for AAV based on the temporal relationship
between vaccination and onset, and also considered molecular mimicry as a possible mechanism,
noting that “[t]he influenza antigen and vaccine proteins share substantial structural similarity.”
Id. at 3.
Dr. Kielstein conceded that there is no literature specifically addressing an association
between flu vaccine and RPGN/PGNMID but since PGNMID is a new entity, cases are probably
underreported. Tr. 25-26, 74-75. Dr. Kielstein added that PGNMID may also be overlooked due
to difficulty detecting monoclonal IgG deposits seen only in about 1% of all renal biopsies.32 Tr.
25-26. Further, the stain for IgG is rarely ordered because the treatment for RPGN and PGNMID
is the same, plasma exchange. Tr. 71-73, 77-79; Pet. Ex. 45.33 Still further, Dr. Kielstein noted that
responses to immune stimuli can be difficult to predict, “[s]o we may know exactly what the
mechanism is, but we are aware of many diseases where the immune response to a trigger can vary
quite considerably.” Tr. 78-79. Dr. Kielstein submitted several articles showing other immune-
mediated renal disorders occurring following flu vaccine. See, e.g., Pet. Ex. 3434 (case report of
patient who developed acute renal failure and minimal change disease 18 days after flu
vaccination); Pet. Ex. 3635 (case report of patient who developed abrupt-onset nephrotic syndrome
and severe acute kidney injury two weeks after an H1N1 flu vaccination); Pet. Ex. 3736 (case report
of patient who developed membranous GN 20 days after H1N1 flu vaccination); Pet. Ex. 3837 (case
report of patient who developed minimal change nephrotic syndrome four days after flu
32
Dr. Kielstein noted that a pediatric paper whose authors he could not recall examined a large number of
renal biopsy samples and found that 0.74% of samples had monoclonal IgG deposits that were not picked
up due to the wrong stain being used. Tr. 26.
33
Naoki Haruyama et al., Subclinical Nephrosclerosis is Linked to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Independent of Classical Atherogenic Factors, 37 HYPERTENS. RES. 472-77 (2014), filed as “Pet. Ex. 45.”
34
Silvina Gutierrez et al., Minimal Change Disease Following Influenza Vaccination and Acute Renal
Failure: Just a Coincidence? 32 NEFROLOGIA 414-15 (2012), filed as “Pet. Ex. 34.”
35
Chinmay Patel and Hitesh H. Shah, Membranous Nephropathy and Severe Acute Kidney Injury Following
Influenza Vaccination, 26 SAUDI J. KIDNEY DIS. TRANSPL. 1289-93 (2015), filed as “Pet. Ex. 36.”
36
Ali Kutlucan et al., Can Influenza H1N1 Vaccination Lead to the Membranous Glomerulonephritis?, 55
INDIAN J. PATHOL. MICROBIOL. 239-41 (2012), filed as “Pet. Ex. 37.”
37
J.T. Kielstein et al., Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome in a 65-Year-Old Patient Following Influenza
Vaccination, 54 CLIN. NEPHROL. 246-48 (2000), filed as “Pet. Ex. 38.”
17
vaccination); Pet. Ex. 4238 (case report of patient who had a relapse of minimal change disease
after flu vaccination).
In contrast, respondent argued that Dr. Kielstein lacked evidence for his theory, pointing
to Dr. Kielstein’s acknowledgments of the lack of medical literature associating flu vaccine and
RPGN/PGNMID. See, e.g., Tr. 29 (“Well, of course I’m not able to state a specific pathway” for
how the flu vaccine could cause RPGN), 31 (“…we have much less evidence and substance to
confirm” a pathway between flu vaccine and RPGN similar to the pathway between flu vaccine
and GBS), 39 (admitting that there is “scarce evidence” to support a connection between the flu
vaccine and RPGN), 70 (agreeing that there are no case reports linking flu vaccine to PGNMID).
Dr. Kaplan “remain[ed] unconvinced” that the flu vaccine could cause PGNMID. Tr. 118.
His position was rooted in an overall objection to the notion that vaccines could
cause/induce/trigger an autoimmune renal disorder. According to Dr. Kaplan, the prevalence of
minimal change nephrotic syndrome has “remained relatively static over time” despite the
enormous increase in vaccine administration over the past 50 years. Tr. 118-19. Therefore, there
exists “negative epidemiological evidence against there being an association” between flu vaccine
and PGNMID. Tr. 119. However, Dr. Kaplan admitted, “I do not rule out the possibility that there
could be idiosyncratic cases, in other words, unique cases. But…given the fact that so many
vaccines are being administered, you really would expect to see more reports than there are…there
has been no report of a single case [of PGNMID] in which there was antecedent vaccination.” Tr.
119. Later, Dr. Kaplan conceded, “I didn’t say there were no cases of glomerulonephritis allegedly
caused by the vaccine. There have been reports.” Tr. 124-25.
When discussing the science underlying Dr. Kielstein’s theory, Dr. Kaplan appeared to
agree with Dr. Kielstein on several key points. Dr. Kaplan agreed that RPGN is mediated by
antibody or cellular immunity. Resp. Ex. L at 5. He further agreed that deposition of antibodies
along the basement membrane and/or glomerular deposition of preformed soluble immune
complexes can result in glomerulonephritis. Id. Dr. Kaplan stated, “Antibody- and cell-mediated
immunity are together responsible for many lesions observed in patients with acute RPGN, and
cell-mediated immunity without antibody (sic) may produce crescentic glomerulonephritis.” Id.
He also agreed that vaccines cause an increase in cytokine and antibody levels. See Tr. 116-17
(“…there’s no doubt that there are changes in T-cells and so on induced by vaccines”).
However, Dr. Kaplan maintained that there was no evidence that the flu vaccine has been
implicated in either the antibody-mediated or cell-mediated pathways. Resp. Ex. L at 5. Dr. Kaplan
dismissed Nasr’s proposition that PGNMID could arise in the course of a normal immune response
referring to the proposition as “pure speculation” and not “proof of pathogenesis.” Resp. Ex. Q at
2. Dr. Kaplan added that the pathogenesis of PGNMID remains elusive even ten years after the
Nasr paper was first published. Tr. 74. Dr. Kaplan rejected the Jeffs paper relied on by Dr.
Kielstein, which discussed ANCA vasculitis following flu vaccine, suggesting it to was “pure
speculation.” Tr. 120. According to Dr. Kaplan, ANCA-associated idiopathic or primary crescentic
glomerulonephritis is associated with small vessel vasculitis (“SVV”) and may be renal limited or
38
Olusola Isikalu, Ruth C. Campbell, & Roberto Pisoni, Minimal Change Disease Relapse after Influenza
Vaccination, 28 J. AM. SOC. NEPHROL. 1134 (2017), filed as “Pet. Ex. 42.”
18
part of a systemic disease such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, or microscopic polyangiitis
and therefore a different disease. Resp. Ex. L at 4; Resp. Ex. Q at 5.
The lack of any literature directly associating PGNMID following flu vaccine was the real
sticking point for Dr. Kaplan. Although he agreed with Dr. Kielstein that published evidence
supports timing of onset for an immune response to the flu vaccine, Dr. Kaplan opined that the
literature does not support a relationship between the flu vaccine and RPGN. Resp. Ex. Q at 1-2;
Pet. Ex. 23 at 339 (finding that immune response to flu vaccination peaked for some IgM, IgG, and
IgA anti-influenza titers seven days after vaccination). Dr. Kaplan noted that “there is not a single
case report…in which acute glomerulonephritis or crescentic glomerulonephritis, has been
reported following influenza vaccine administration.” Resp. Ex. L at 4. Dr. Kaplan also rejected
case reports of other kidney disorders following flu vaccine, stating, “[T]he few reported cases
with an alleged association between influenza vaccine and various completely different types of
glomerular disease, none of which share known common pathogenic mechanisms, do not offer a
plausible connection between the vaccination and the coincidental renal disease.” Resp. Ex. Q at
4-5.
Dr. Kaplan further disagreed with Dr. Kielstein’s analogy of GBS associated with flu
vaccine, stating that he was “deeply disturbed” by the acceptance of flu vaccine as a cause of GBS.
Tr. 120. Later, when it was pointed out that GBS following flu vaccine was an on-Table injury in
the Vaccine Program, Dr. Kaplan backpedaled, stating, “Maybe it’s a bit dramatic to say that I was
deeply disturbed… if there is more likelihood than not that the vaccine has been shown to be
causative, that’s fine. Experts have decided that and good people have made that decision. That’s
fine with me.” Tr. 153-54.
Dr. Kielstein responded to Dr. Kaplan’s criticisms, stating that, if there were clear-cut
evidence that the flu vaccine could trigger RPGN/PGNMID, a hearing would not be necessary in
this case. In Dr. Kielstein’s opinion, there is in general “an understudied and ill-defined connection
between an immune stimulus caused by a vaccine and a renal injury.” Tr. 80-81.
In summary, the experts agree that PGNMID is a newly discovered disease and that
PGNMID/RPGN is immune-mediated. They agree that the flu vaccine causes activation of B- and
T-cells and that the flu virus and viral infections generally can cause immune-mediated renal
diseases. The experts disagree on whether the flu vaccine can cause PGNMID and/or RPGN
because, as Dr. Kaplan noted, none of the literature has specifically addressed PGNMID/RPGN
and influenza vaccine.
It is not unusual in Vaccine Program cases for literature to be sparse. It is also not shocking
or unexpected that very little literature exists on PGNMID in general, or its association with
influenza virus, influenza vaccine or any vaccine. However, it is not the petitioner’s burden to
show scientific certainty, nor is literature associating the subject vaccine with the specific injury
required. Petitioner must show a scientifically sound and reliable theory, which Dr. Kielstein has
done in this matter. Dr. Kielstein provided medical literature illustrating that PGNMID arises in
the course of an immune response through activation of B cells, T cells, and IgG, specifically IgG3,
39
A. Warmold L. van den Wall Bake et al., Humoral Immune Response to Influenza Vaccination in Patients
with Primary Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy, 84 J. CLIN. INVEST. 1070-75 (1989), filed as “Pet. Ex. 23.”
19
which is intrinsically nephritogenic. See Pet. Ex. 26; Pet. Ex. 27. He also submitted literature
suggesting that a reaction to viral RNA in the flu vaccine could lead to ANCA-associated
vasculitis, also an immune-mediated disorder. See Pet. Ex. 29. He further provided case studies of
patients who developed immune-mediated renal disorders after receiving flu vaccinations. See,
e.g., Pet. Ex. 22; Pet. Ex. 34; Pet. Ex. 36; Pet. Ex. 37; Pet. Ex. 38; Pet. Ex. 42.
Dr. Kaplan’s criticisms were more about the lack of literature supporting Dr. Kielstein’s
theory than the theory itself. He did not disagree that the flu vaccine could cause PGNMID, and in
fact agreed that there have been reports of glomerulonephritis allegedly caused by the vaccine. Tr.
124-25. Therefore, by Dr. Kaplan’s own admission, the lack of literature does not negate Dr.
Kielstein’s theory. It was, after all, Dr. Kaplan who described the greatest accomplishments of his
career starting with case reports and a theory that led to discoveries of biological evidence
supporting the association of medication and/or diseases in the body infiltrating the kidney and
causing GN. Essentially, in this case, Dr. Kaplan is suggesting a higher standard of proof be
applied, that of scientific certainty, which is not required by the Vaccine Program. See Andreu,
569 F.3d at 1378 (Finding that conclusive evidence in medical literature is not required for a
causation in fact claim).
Accordingly, I find that petitioner has provided a sound and reliable theory that viral RNA
in the flu vaccine can trigger increased IgG and production of cytokines, causing rapid deposition
of immune complexes in the glomeruli, damaging the glomerular basement membrane, and
resulting in RPGN/PGNMID, an immune mediated disease. Petitioner has satisfied Prong I.
2. Petitioner Has Demonstrated a Logical Sequence of Cause and Effect Connecting
the Flu Vaccine to Her Development of RPGN/PGNMID.
Despite some equivocation, Dr. Kaplan ultimately agreed that petitioner suffered from
RPGN/PGNMID. See Pet. Ex. 21 at 7-8; Resp. Ex. L at 4; Resp. Ex. Q at 6; Resp. Ex. S at 3; Resp.
Post-Hearing Brief at 2 (“Dr. Kaplan agreed with this PGNMID classification.”), citing Tr. 109-
10 (“…they said this condition is proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits.
That’s what I would have called her”). However, while Dr. Kielstein opined that petitioner suffered
from an acute RPGN, Dr. Kaplan initially posited that petitioner had chronic silent kidney disease
prior to the allegedly causal flu vaccination, based on petitioner’s biopsy results and her 2016
relapse which coincidentally flared after her flu vaccination.
a. Petitioner’s treating physicians associated her development of
RPGN/PGNMID with her flu vaccine.
As the Federal Circuit noted in Capizzano, treating physicians are likely to be in the best
position to determine whether “a logical sequence of cause and effect show[s] that the vaccination
was the reason for the injury.” 440 F.3d at 1326. Dr. Carey, a nephrologist who began treating
petitioner on November 10, 2011, associated her disease onset with the flu vaccine. See Pet. Ex. 2
at 107 (notation in petitioner’s medical records that “the flu vaccine may have been the stimulus
for the rapidly progressive crescentic GN”). Dr. Carey later authored an affidavit in which he
stated, “It is further my opinion that the administration of the influenza vaccination on November
3, 2011 triggered Ms. Isaacson’s glomerulonephritis….” Pet. Ex. 14 at 8. Dr. Carey recommended
20
that petitioner not receive any additional vaccinations “due to the potential harm they pose given
her damaged kidneys.” Id. In Dr. Carey’s opinion, “there is no reasonable alternative causation…of
the cause of Ms. Isaacson’s crescentic glomerulonephritis….” Id. at 10. Dr. Taft, who also treated
petitioner during her initial hospitalization, noted, “This is a young lady who is experiencing any
(sic) glomerulonephritis following an influenza vaccine. Temporally, the two have to be related.”
Pet. Ex. 2 at 138. Dr. Greene, who treated petitioner at the Mayo Clinic after her 2016 relapse,
noted that it was “certainly within the realm of possibility with acute antibody formation” that
petitioner’s flu vaccine “caused her acute crescentic GN.” Pet. Ex. 20 at 5.
b. Dr. Kielstein maintained that the flu vaccine was the cause of petitioner’s
immune-mediated RPGN and disagreed that petitioner had any evidence
of chronic silent kidney disease prior to the November 3, 2011 vaccination.
Dr. Kielstein testified that petitioner’s clinical course was consistent with an acute kidney
injury from the flu vaccination on November 3, 2011, which resulted in the development of RPGN
five days later. Tr. 36-37. He stated in hindsight “it is easy to say” that petitioner’s complaints of
headache and flu-like symptoms on November 6, 2011 were symptoms of RPGN but conceded
there is a “considerable overlap” between the general side effects from flu vaccine and the
symptoms associated with RPGN. Tr. 37, 83. However, Dr. Kielstein pointed to petitioner’s
creatinine level of 3.0 and hematuria, and proteinuria on November 8, 2011, as signs of “overt
renal disease that…was not existent prior to vaccination.” Tr. 37. She also had an increase in
weight, from 190 pounds to 204 pounds, and she had an increase in blood pressure, from 115/70
to 171/94 between November 8 and November 10, 2011, which are “in line with an acute renal
disease like RPGN,” not a reaction to a flu vaccine. Pet. Ex. 21 at 12. He further noted that other
possible causes of RPGN such as lupus, ANCA vasculitis, and post-streptococcal
glomerulonephritis were ruled out. Tr. 61. Although it is impossible to rule out everything,
petitioner’s work up was “very thorough” and excluded 95% of the known causes of RPGN. Tr.
61-62.
Dr. Kielstein noted petitioner’s history of urinary tract infections as noncontributory,
explaining that UTIs do not ascend into the kidney; they occur in the lower urinary tract. Tr. 63.
In order to affect the kidneys, petitioner would have to have frequent severe upper UTIs, which
she did not. Tr. 63. Dr. Kielstein explained that frequent UTIs can result in interstitial scarring, but
he believed the interstitial findings on petitioner’s biopsy was the result of ciprofloxacin, which
petitioner was prescribed. Tr. 63-64. Ciprofloxacin can cause abnormalities in the interstitium but
does not cause RPGN. Tr. 64.
Further, Dr. Kielstein pointed out that petitioner had none of the characteristics of chronic
renal disease prior to vaccine such as hypertension, elevated creatinine, or proteinuria, even during
pregnancy, which is often “a trigger mechanism for making silent renal disease…become visible.”
Tr. 39-40. Furthermore, Dr. Kielstein postured that petitioner’s kidney biopsy was not consistent
with pre-existing kidney disease, even though it showed two sclerotic glomeruli.
21
Dr. Kielstein explained that longstanding hypertension40 can cause renal disease and
sclerosed glomeruli on biopsy. Pet. Ex. 21 at 11. But, petitioner’s blood pressure and
echocardiogram41 were normal in January of 2013. See Pet. Ex. 2 at 694-96. If she had long-term
hypertension, the ECHO would have shown changes to the left ventricle due to the need for muscle
power. Tr. 46-47, 49-50; Pet. Ex. 21 at 11; Pet. Ex. 45 at 142 (finding that a high percentage of
global glomerulosclerosis was significantly associated with left ventricular hypertrophy). When
petitioner reported to the ER on November 8, her blood pressure was normal. Two days later, on
November 10, she had “full-blown hypertension” a typical clinical sign of RPGN.
Further, Dr. Kielstein noted that petitioner did not have increased blood pressure even
during pregnancy, when blood pressure is known to increase. Tr. 46-47; Pet. Ex. 47 at 116, 136,
201; Pet. Ex. 50 at 1. She had a higher blood pressure on only two occasions, in May and December
of 2010; the December blood pressure reading was taken on the day she gave birth, when high
blood pressure is expected. Tr. 48; Pet. Ex. 47 at 136. There are no medical records indicating that
petitioner had preexisting hypertension, even during pregnancy. Tr. 48-49, 64.
Dr. Kielstein further noted that petitioner did not have proteinuria, or protein in her urine,
in the year prior to her flu vaccine and development of RPGN/PGNMID. He explained that chronic
kidney disease is characterized by two components: one, an impairment in renal excretory
function, which is a decreased ability of the kidney to get rid of toxins, and two, disturbance of the
glomerular barrier function, which results in protein or blood in the urine. Tr. 51. The two can
occur separately. Tr. 51. “You can have normal excretory renal function…but at the same time
have signs of renal damage detected by detecting either blood or protein in the urine….” Tr. 51. A
healthy kidney does not let albumin, a protein, pass through the blood into the urine. Tr. 51.
Petitioner’s urine albumin was regularly measured during her pregnancy and was consistently
negative. Tr. 50; Pet. Ex. 47 at 201.
Dr. Kielstein acknowledged there is no record of petitioner’s creatinine levels prior to
vaccination, but petitioner’s excretory renal function was normal, and she returned to normal after
the November 2011 episode of severe kidney injury, which makes it unlikely that she had impaired
renal function prior to the vaccination. Tr. 51-52. “You don’t start with 50 percent renal function,
get additional damage and go back to 100 percent renal function. That’s not possible.” Tr. 52.
Dr. Kielstein added that ultrasound images of petitioner’s kidneys do not show pre-existing
kidney disease. An abdominal ultrasound on November 10, 2011, showed that petitioner’s kidney
size was “well above the age adjusted median” for 30-year-old subjects. Pet. Ex. 21 at 11-12; Pet.
40
According to Dr. Kielstein, for a person of petitioner’s age, it would take blood pressure readings of 170-
180 mm/Hg over a period of five years to cause damage. Tr. 49.
41
An echocardiogram is a record of the position and motion of the heart walls or the internal structures of
the heart and surrounding tissue. Echocardiogram, DORLAND’S at 583; echocardiography, id.
42
Naoki Haruyama et al., Subclinical Nephrosclerosis is Linked to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Independent of Classical Atherogenic Factors, 73 HYPERTENS. RES. 472-77 (2014), filed as “Pet. Ex. 45.”
22
Ex. 2 at 360; Pet. Ex. 31 at 5.43 A follow-up ultrasound on December 14, 2011, showed that her
kidneys had returned to normal size. Id. at 12; Pet. Ex. 2 at 253. An ultrasound on January 21,
2012 also showed the kidneys at normal size, with no evidence of renal mass, hydronephrosis, or
renal calculi. Id.; Pet. Ex. 2 at 251. In contrast, if petitioner had long standing kidney disease, there
would be severe sclerosis on ultrasound, the kidneys would appear shrunken, and the surface
would not be very smooth. Tr. 49-50. In comparing the various ultrasounds, Dr. Kielstein opined
that petitioner had “considerable acute swelling of the kidneys [on November 10, 2011] that on
follow-up examination did not exist anymore.” Pet. Ex. 21 at 12.
Dr. Kielstein discussed the findings on the kidney biopsy taken seven days after the
administration of the flu vaccine which documented “an acute inflammatory process involving
eight out of nine glomeruli with glomerular crescents, fibrinoid necrosis, acute renal tubular injury,
acute interstitial changes, and glomerular immune deposits.” Pet. Ex. 21 at 8. Two of nine
glomeruli were globally sclerotic.44 Id. Dr. Kielstein emphasized that “[f]ive of the non-globally
sclerotic glomeruli had fresh, circumferential cellular crescents,” with no mention of old crescents,
“strongly suggesting that the injury is acute and not chronic.” Id. at 8, 11 (emphasis in original).
In addressing the two sclerotic glomeruli found on the biopsy, Dr. Kielstein explained that
renal diseases are divided into nephrotic, nephritic, and sclerotic categories; “sclerotic” means
there are scarred glomeruli, attributed to high blood pressure over a long period of time. Tr. 40.
He referred to the Kremers article, which studied over 2000 healthy individual kidney donors and
found an age dependent increase in sclerotic glomeruli. Tr. 40; Pet. Ex. 3045 (examining the
number of globally sclerotic glomeruli across multiple age groups to distinguish age-related
glomerulosclerosis from disease-related glomerulosclerosis). In 18- to 29-year-olds with nine to
16 glomeruli on biopsy, one globally sclerotic glomerulus is considered normal. Pet. Ex. 21 at 11;
Pet. Ex. 30 at 4. Dr. Kielstein opined that in this case the two sclerosed glomeruli did not
demonstrate proof of pre-existing renal disease, because the number of sclerosed glomeruli can
change within the location of the kidney, “[s]o you could have a sampling error [where] you have
more sclerosed glomeruli in certain regions of the kidney.” Tr. 43. Further, the sample of nine
glomeruli in this case was insufficient to circumvent a sampling error; 15 to 20 glomeruli would
have been a better sample. Finally, the exact location of where the biopsy was taken from was not
documented in the report in this case. Tr. 41-43; Pet. Ex. 21 at 9, 11. According to Dr. Kielstein
an insufficient sample means you must weigh a small sample size against the diagnostic
conclusions you are making, here given the context of the biopsy results, “…even having two
sclerotic glomeruli out of nine is…no (sic) convincing evidence of preexisting renal disease. Tr.
41-42.
43
Sarah Faubel et al., Renal Relevant Radiology: Use of Ultrasonography in Patients with AKI, 9 CLIN. J.
AM. SOC. NEPHROL. 382-94 (2014), filed as “Pet. Ex. 31.”
44
Dr. Kielstein explained that sometimes, the sclerosis, or scar, does not affected the whole glomerulus. Tr.
41. When the whole glomerulus is affected by scarring, it is referred to as “globally sclerotic.” Tr. 41.
45
Walter K. Kremers et al., Distinguishing Age-Related From Disease-Related Glomerulosclerosis on
Kidney Biopsy: the Aging Kidney Anatomy Study, 30 NEPHROL. DIAL. TRANSPLANT. 2034-39 (2015), filed
as “Pet. Ex. 30.”
23
Dr. Kielstein further submitted that the pathology report did not describe
glomerulosclerosis with a pattern of solidification or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, which
would also be consistent with kidney disease rather than normal aging. Pet. Ex. 41 at 3. None of
the other factors used to determine degree of chronicity in renal biopsies – tubular atrophy,
interstitial fibrosis and arteriosclerosis – were described in the histology report for petitioner in
November of 2011. Id.; Pet. Ex. 44.46 Dr. Kielstein concluded, “The clinical condition that led to
the sclerosis of two glomeruli in the renal biopsy…is more likely than not aging and not arterial
hypertension.” Id. at 4; Tr. 40, 64-66.
Dr. Kielstein added that biopsy results should be examined in the context of the clinical
picture and petitioner’s clinical course. The histological findings were not typical for this disease.
Tr. 42; Pet. Ex. 21 at 9. Clinical data associated with PGNMID showed only 12.5% of patients
with this disease have complete remission. Pet. Ex. 27 at 6. The patients in complete remission
had fewer than three percent of glomeruli with crescents, and those with partial remission had
fewer than twenty percent of glomeruli with crescents. Id. at 7. In contrast, petitioner had five out
of seven (71%) glomeruli with crescents. Tr. 42; Pet. Ex. 41 at 4-5; Pet. Ex. 21 at 9. The fact that
petitioner was able to regain normal excretory renal function with treatment was surprising and
fortunate and further proof that she did not have chronic kidney disease. Tr. 42.
Dr. Kielstein noted if he were to look at the biopsy results alone, with so many glomeruli
affected, he would have suggested petitioner was facing a lifelong decrease of renal function. Tr.
42. He believes this was the reason petitioner’s doctors ordered five plasma exchange procedures.
Tr. 42. However, petitioner had a “dramatic” recovery after only two treatments, and her doctors
were “able to revert this acute occurring illness in a very short period of time.” Tr. 42. Petitioner’s
remarkable renal recovery was due to the acute nature of her disease. Pet. Ex. 21 at 9. A person
who had underlying renal disease and then experienced acute RPGN would have a very low chance
of recovering normal renal function. Tr. 44. When the biopsy results are viewed in the context of
petitioner’s dramatic recovery and other test results, it is more likely that petitioner was within the
normal range of sclerotic glomeruli as part of aging and did not have preexisting renal disease. Tr.
43-44.
Finally, Dr. Kielstein pointed out that viral infections and infections of the upper
respiratory tract can trigger a relapse of RPGN and accounts for petitioner’s relapse in January of
2016. Tr. 53. Dr. Kielstein pointed out that petitioner’s nephrologist, Dr. Carey, documented her
relapse in January of 2016 as preceded by a “viral illness, again.” Pet. Ex. 41 at 6; Pet. Ex. 40 at
9. When petitioner was admitted for her relapse, she reported that her daughter had a viral illness,
and Dr. Carey subsequently concluded that this episode of GN was triggered by viral illness. Pet.
Ex. 41 at 6; Pet. Ex. 40 at 382.
c. According to Dr. Kaplan, petitioner developed flu-like symptoms following
the flu vaccine, a coincidental flare of her silent chronic renal disease as
evidenced by the biopsy results, and a relapse in January of 2016 further
supporting that she had chronic renal disease.
46
Musab S. Hommos et al., Global Glomerulosclerosis with Nephrotic Syndrome; the Clinical Importance
of Age Adjustment, 93 KIDNEY INT. 1175-82 (2018), filed as “Pet. Ex. 44.”
24
In Dr. Kaplan’s opinion, petitioner “developed a flu-like illness with emesis, fevers, chills,
myalgias, neck pain, and headache three days after receiving the influenza vaccine,” and
coincidentally, suffered from a preexisting renal disease, which flared following her receipt of the
flu vaccination. Resp. Ex. L at 3, 8. Dr. Kaplan submitted that petitioner’s biopsy showed changes
indicative of a chronic condition and her relapse in January 2016 solidified that she suffered from
an underlying chronic renal disease. The influenza vaccine played no role in her renal illness.
According to Dr. Kaplan, petitioner did not present with “the usual clinical signs and
symptoms of an acute glomerulonephritis; specifically, there was no evidence of edema,
hypertension, gross hematuria, oliguria or anuria.” Resp. Ex. L at 3; Tr. 131. Over 50% of patients
with crescentic glomerulonephritis present with acute nephritic syndrome, characterized by
hematuria, proteinuria, oliguria, edema, and hypertension, and rapidly deteriorating renal function.
Id. at 5. Another 10% of patients may have nephrotic syndrome, characterized by edema, massive
proteinuria, severe hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia; 15% of patients present with chronic
renal failure. Id. However, 15% of patients may be asymptomatic and petitioner was among the
15% who are asymptomatic and whose diagnosis is made for other reasons. Id.
According to Dr. Kaplan, petitioner’s complaints of “emesis, fevers, chills, myalgias, neck
pain, and headache” were “a well-known side of the vaccine and [were] not in any way related to
her nephrology issues.” Resp. Ex. L at 3. Since she had a “complete absence of any renal symptoms
that are usually associated with an acute glomerulonephritis of any type,” it is “probable that her
renal disease may not have been diagnosed when it was, had she not had symptoms from the
influenza vaccine.” Id. at 5.
Dr. Kaplan agreed with Dr. Kielstein that the ultrasound findings of enlarged kidneys
support petitioner having had an acute illness, and that the subsequent renal ultrasound showed
recovery from the acute illness. Resp. Ex. Q at 4. However, Dr. Kaplan opined, this does not negate
the evidence of chronic as well as acute kidney injury on the biopsy. Id.
According to Dr. Kaplan, the biopsy in November of 2011 showed evidence of both acute
and chronic damage. Specifically, there was evidence of “an acute inflammatory process with
glomerular crescents, fibrinoid necrosis, acute renal tubular injury, acute interstitial changes and
glomerular immune deposits.” Resp. Ex. L at 3; Resp. Ex. Q at 2. There was “evidence of chronic
glomerular injury [global sclerosis, segmental glomerular sclerosis] and chronic interstitial injury
[chronic interstitial fibrosis]” which, “more than likely not” predated the vaccine and flu-like
symptoms. Id. According to Dr. Kaplan, sclerotic glomerular and/or interstitial changes occur over
weeks or months after an initial acute injury; they are indications of a healing process analogous
to scarring after inflammation or surgical injuries. Id. These chronic findings were an indication
of a “silent” underlying kidney disease predating petitioner’s vaccination and subsequent flu-like
symptoms. Id.
Dr. Kaplan agreed that petitioner did not have tubular atrophy or arteriolosclerosis, which
are also features of chronic disease. Resp. Ex. S at 1-2. However, in his opinion, the lack of
arteriosclerosis is less significant than the other findings that do indicate chronic changes, i.e.,
global sclerosis, focal segmental sclerosis, and chronic interstitial fibrosis. Id., citing to Pet. Ex.
25
43 at 347 (“Lesser weight is attached to arteriosclerosis compared with GS [glomerulosclerosis]
and IFTA [interstitial fibrosis tubular atrophy] because both GS and IFTA have been found to be
predictors of poor renal outcomes…whereas such prediction is much less consistently found with
arteriosclerosis.”).
In further support of his opinion that the biopsy showed features of both acute and chronic
kidney disease, Dr. Kaplan pointed to the various degrees of sclerosis evident on petitioner’s
biopsy. He explained that five of the glomeruli on the first biopsy had “fresh” crescents which are
crescents that are cellular and have not undergone fibrosis or sclerosis. Tr. 137. Old crescents have
undergone fibrosis and begin to constrict the glomeruli; this suffocates the blood supply to the
glomeruli, causing glomeruli death. Tr. 137. If petitioner’s biopsy showed crescents, proliferative
changes, and an increased number of cells without any fibrosis, “I would have said that she has an
acute injury and there is no chronic component to it. But that was not the case on the first biopsy.”
Tr. 137.
Further, Dr. Kaplan stated the biopsy contained four sclerotic glomeruli, two of which
demonstrated global sclerosis. See Pet. Ex. 4 at 332-33. Dr. Kaplan agreed with Dr. Kielstein that
a certain amount of sclerotic tissue is an acceptable part of the aging process and would be located
under the capsule of the kidney. Tr. 101-02. He also agreed that it is unknown where the biopsy
was taken from, in relation to the capsule of the kidney in this case. Tr. 100-02. However, he added
that the study on age-related sclerosis Dr. Kielstein relied upon found an upper limit of one globally
sclerotic glomerulus on biopsy to be appropriate for ages 18 to 29. Resp. Ex. Q at 3, citing Pet. Ex.
30 at 4.
Dr. Kaplan stated that, if petitioner had only two globally sclerotic glomeruli on biopsy, “I
would have no case to make that the vaccine was unlikely to be implicated in the disease.” Tr. 102.
But petitioner had two glomeruli with focal segmental sclerosis, which means part, but not all, of
the glomerulus was scarred. Tr. 102. At two different times during the hearing, Dr. Kaplan testified
that the focal sclerosis was significant because “it takes at least three weeks for scar formation to
occur in the kidney,” and “at least three weeks for the glomeruli to become globally sclerosed as
well as to develop segmental sclerosis,” therefore, “those scars could not have occurred in the short
period between the administration of the vaccine and [petitioner’s] biopsy.” Tr. 103, 138.
However, Dr. Kaplan could not recall where this three-week period came from and did not cite to
any supporting medical literature for this statement. Tr. 103. He then concluded that, based on this
time frame, petitioner’s preexisting kidney disease was there months or years prior to vaccination,
but he would not know how long. Tr. 138.
Further, Dr. Kaplan postulated that petitioner’s 2016 relapse was another indicator of
chronic injury and noted that petitioner’s symptoms were similar to those at the time of first
occurrence with flu-like illness, headache, fever, chills, and myalgias but negative testing for
meningitis, flu, or other viruses. Resp. Ex. Q at 3, 5. At hearing, Dr. Kaplan stated that there was
no viral infection or vaccine ascribed to her 2016 relapse. When it was pointed out that petitioner’s
medical records documented a viral infection and fever at the time of her relapse, Dr. Kaplan would
not address the possibility that an acute virus caused her relapse; but rather, side-stepped, stating
47
Sanjeev Sethi et al., A Proposal for Standardized Grading of Chronic Changes in Native Kidney Biopsy
Specimens, 91 KIDNEY INT. 787-89 (2017), filed as “Pet. Ex. 43.”
26
that would follow his logic that between her first and second episode, whatever condition was
causing her kidney disease was still present and available to flare up. Tr. 113.
Dr. Kaplan added that, with the benefit of hindsight, the fact she had a second episode with
similar symptoms without a vaccine means that he cannot look at the first episode in isolation. Tr.
143-44. If she only had the first episode, his only argument against vaccine-causation in this case
would be that the interval between the vaccine and manifestation of illness was extremely short
and there was evidence of chronicity on the first biopsy. Tr. 144. After the second episode, “…it
was clear that she had even more chronic changes in her kidney,” not only in the glomeruli but
also with the findings of interstitial fibrosis, another manifestation of chronicity.” Tr. 145-46.
According to Dr. Kaplan, petitioner’s February 2016 biopsy showed four globally sclerotic
glomeruli; the increased number of globally sclerotic glomeruli indicates that petitioner had an
ongoing silent kidney process, despite ostensibly being in remission. Tr. 106. “…[A]nybody
looking at her second biopsy where there were four sclerotic glomeruli, they would have said
[petitioner] has an underlying chronic illness.” Tr. 137. These findings, Dr. Kaplan maintained,
supported a pre-existing or “subclinical renal disease” based on biopsy findings. Tr. 104.
Further, in his second report, Dr. Kaplan maintained that petitioner developed hypertension
after her initial episode of RPGN. The combination of hypertension along with abnormal increased
24-hour urine protein excretion on three occasions, April 25, 2016, August 24, 2016, and
November 3, 2016, and increased urine albumin excretion on May 16, 2017, indicated that she had
chronic renal injury. Resp. Ex. Q at 4. However, petitioner’s medical records reflect that she
maintained normal blood pressures following her initial episode RPGN without medication.48 At
hearing, Dr. Kaplan conceded that petitioner did not have long-term hypertension, nor was that the
cause of the chronic and preexisting kidney disease he believed petitioner had. Tr. 131. He
qualified that he was not suggesting that “she walked around with manifestations of kidney disease
all the time,” but that she had injury to her kidney prior to her presentation of symptoms. Tr. 136.
She was not in chronic renal failure; if she was, her creatinine “would never have gone down to
normal” after the first episode. Tr. 136. But Dr. Kaplan maintained that, just because she recovered
well from immunosuppressive therapy after both episodes, does not rule out that she had chronic
kidney disease, as everyone responds differently to treatment. Tr. 134-36.
48
Petitioner was initially prescribed lisinopril on December 13, 2011 due to a blood pressure of 144/72 at
nephrology appointment. Pet. Ex. 4 at 306-07. On December 16, 2011, petitioner telephoned Dr. Carey to
report that she had not taken the lisinopril. Id. at 307. She attributed her high blood pressure reading to
nervousness and advised that she had been monitoring her blood pressure at work with normal readings. Id.
Dr. Carey advised petitioner to “hold” the lisinopril and continue monitoring her blood pressure. Id. At
subsequent appointments, petitioner had the following blood pressures: 136/84 on December 28, 2011;
122/76 on January 31, 2012; 123/70 on May 1, 2012; 123/60 on July 2, 2012; 116/70 on August 13, 2012;
117/76 on October 8, 2012; 122/70 on October 26, 2012; 117/68 on January 7, 2013, at which time
petitioner was pregnant; 130/70 on June 3, 2013, at which time petitioner was 35 weeks pregnant; 120/86
on August 13, 2013; 131/84 on September 10, 2013; 125/54 on September 19, 2013; 113/83 on December
3, 2013; 110/68 on June 9, 2014; and 116/74 on August 7, 2014. See Pet. Ex. 4 at 2, 5, 267, 288, 345-46;
Pet. Ex. 5 at 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 21, 61; Pet. Ex. 10 at 4, 79. Petitioner was not noted to have “mildly elevated”
or “borderline” blood pressures until after her relapse in 2016. See Pet. Ex. 40 at 20, 25, 36, 41.
27
I asked Dr. Kaplan if his opinion was that petitioner had an ongoing chronic condition that
manifested itself for the first time five days after her vaccine, as opposed to a condition caused by
the vaccine and if so, why no other doctor that was involved in her treatment, whether pathologist
or nephrologist, concluded that she had an ongoing chronic condition? Dr. Kaplan responded,
“Well, I think you have summed up my position really well” and her subsequent episode added
weight to the theory that she had a condition capable of manifesting itself again. Tr. 110-11. Many
patients with nephrotic syndrome or glomerulonephritis present with a constellation of flu-like
symptoms, even in the absence of any known infectious cause. Tr. 111-12. Dr. Kaplan did not
provide a response as to why none of petitioner’s treating physicians at any of the facilities where
she was treated concluded that she had a chronic condition.
Dr. Kaplan added that one can have a pre-existing asymptomatic kidney disease and not
know it. Tr. 154. When asked whether it was possible for the flu vaccine to trigger a pre-existing
but silent kidney disease, Dr. Kaplan responded, “That’s the essence of this case, Special Master.
That’s what you are going to decide.” Tr. 154.
d. The evidence herein supports an acute onset of RPGN/PGNMID following
influenza vaccination and lends little support for a chronic silent renal
disease.
For the most part, the experts herein agree petitioner had RPGN/PGNMID but disagree on
whether petitioner’s kidney disease was, at the time of the influenza vaccine, acute or longstanding.
Dr. Kielstein contends that all the evidence supports an acute immune-mediated disease of
PGNMID following the receipt of an influenza vaccine on November 3, 2011. The findings of
sclerotic tissue on the biopsy were age-related, not disease related. Dr. Kaplan ultimately agreed
that petitioner presented with an acute onset of PGNMID but opined that the biopsy findings also
supported a silent, but long-standing chronic disease evidenced by focal glomerulosclerosis similar
to what develops after an injury and which takes months develop.
At hearing, it appeared at times that Dr. Kaplan was saying petitioner had long-standing
chronic silent kidney disease that coincidentally flared along with her suffering from typical side
effects associated with the flu vaccine and at other times that she suffered an acute RPGN as well
as having long standing chronic silent kidney disease. He further conflated the findings of the
second biopsy in 2016 with the biopsy of November 2011, stating that it was the first biopsy that
showed focally sclerotic glomeruli and sclerotic tissue indicative of long-standing disease. Tr. 102-
04. However, it was the renal biopsy performed on February 3, 2016, not November of 2011 which
showed 14 glomeruli, four of which were globally sclerotic and five crescents with two other
glomeruli showing focal necrotizing areas and moderate tubular atrophy with mild interstitial
fibrosis involving about 15% of the interstitial compartment. Pet. Ex. 40 at 550-51. Petitioner’s
doctors in January of 2016 concluded that this biopsy was “consistent with the crescentic form of
proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits…This would represent a
recurrence.” Id. at 550. “It was felt that her viral illness triggered this episode of GN.” Id. at 382.
Dr. Kaplan maintained that petitioner’s second episode over four years later confirmed his
theory of chronic disease because she had the same onset of symptoms in the absence of infection
or vaccination. Tr. 111, 128-29. This too was not accurate. When petitioner presented to the
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hospital on January 31, 2016, she reported becoming ill with fever, chills, body aches, and nausea
following her daughter’s viral illness a few days prior. Her symptoms worsened and she presented
with a fever of 100.4 degrees and labs which showed an elevated white blood cell count. She was
admitted to the hospital with sepsis. Her doctors documented, “It was felt that her viral illness
triggered this episode of GN.” Pet. Ex. 40 at 382; Pet. Ex. 20 at 11.
The key differences in the experts’ opinions lie in their interpretation of the reported
findings on the biopsies. But the treating physicians’ opinions are more in line with petitioner’s
expert, Dr. Kielstein. At the risk of belaboring the point, the biopsy taken on November 11, 2011
showed crescentic glomerulonephritis, immune complex-type. See Pet. Ex. 2 at 531 (“This patient
has diffuse extra capillary proliferative glomerulonephritis (crescentic glomerulonephritis). The
presence of IgG Kappa predominance by IF is suggestive of a new glomerular entity termed
proliferative glomerulonephritis monoclonal IgG Kappa”). Of the nine glomeruli in the biopsy
sample, two were globally sclerotic, two showed segmental sclerosis, and five non-globally
sclerotic glomeruli contained fresh and cellular crescents, almost all of which were
circumferential. Pet. Ex. 2 at 532. The second biopsy, performed on February 3, 2016, showed
“proliferative crescentic GN with positive immunofluorescence.” Pet. Ex. 40 at 382. Further, a
nephropathology report dated April 21, 2016 from the Mayo Clinic compared petitioner’s biopsies
from November 2011 and February 2016 and concluded that she had proliferative
glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG kappa deposits with necrotizing and crescentic activity
and minimal chronicity. Pet. Ex. 20 at 11-12. There was no mention of chronic kidney disease only
the characteristics of an immune mediated GN, now known as PGNMID.
Dr. Kaplan postulated, “[A]nybody looking at her second biopsy where there were four
sclerotic glomeruli, they would have said [petitioner] has an underlying chronic illness.” Tr. 137.
However, this was not the case. Petitioner’s biopsy results were noted to have “fresh” crescents
and “acute” findings. None of the biopsies were interpreted by any nephrologist or pathologist as
showing a chronic long-standing kidney disease.
Dr. Kielstein countered Dr. Kaplan’s view of chronic but silent kidney disease, pointing
out that petitioner had no hypertension or proteinuria, not even during pregnancy, when a silent
kidney disease would likely flare. He also addressed her prior urinary tract infections, pointing out
that lower urinary tract infections would not affect the kidneys unless they were severe and
ascended into the upper urinary tract which the record does not indicate occurred. Dr. Kielstein
explained that the interstitial findings on biopsy could have been the result of ciprofloxacin, which
petitioner was prescribed. Most importantly, Dr. Kielstein pointed out that petitioner recovered to
100% renal function, which could not happen if she had preexisting kidney disease. This was borne
out in her recurrence in January of 2016 from which she did not recover completely.
Both experts in this case were knowledgeable, candid, with a great deal of respect shown
for one another. Dr. Kielstein conceded what he did not know and focused on what he did know
and what was supportable. He stated that he took every effort to provide the exact explanation in
a pathophysiological way. Tr. 62. He hoped with future research there would be a more thorough
understanding to identify the few who would be at risk for severe side effects of a vaccination,
concluding, “I think that on that background, I’m really able to elucidate pathophysiological
mechanisms that then could help to identify a subject at risk.” Tr. 62-63.
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Dr. Kaplan also conceded and agreed where appropriate. His digressions were informative.
As set forth above, his own experiences show the value of reporting experiences in medicine as
case studies when encountering rare events. Over his 50 years of practice, Dr. Kaplan made
associations between events occurring in his practice and kidney disease. He admitted PGNMID
has only recently been discovered as a separate and identifiable immune-mediated GN and
ultimately agreed that was the condition petitioner should be diagnosed with. He agreed with the
acute nature of the onset of her disease and that she did not have a history of hypertension, even
during pregnancy. He agreed that elevated creatinine cannot determine chronic versus acute kidney
disease, that petitioner presented with elevated creatinine that went back to normal after
immunosuppressant therapy, and that the ultrasounds before and after treatment showed enlarged
and normal kidneys, respectively. He did not dispute Dr. Kielstein’s statement that someone with
acute renal failure like petitioner experienced would not have returned to normal function rapidly
after treatment if there were a silent chronic kidney disease present.
Ultimately, to satisfy my inquiry on Prong II, I asked Dr. Kaplan if he would agree that the
potential exists for the flu vaccine to have played a role in petitioner’s kidney disease, even if it
did not cause it. Dr. Kaplan responded, “I would have to do somersaults to get out of that question
the way you put it… So I still have my doubts that the flu vaccine actually triggered it. I don’t
know that it didn’t.” Tr. 155.
Accordingly, petitioner has sustained her burden under Prong II.
3. Petitioner Has Shown an Appropriate Temporal Relationship Between Her Receipt
of Flu Vaccine and Her Development of Acute Glomerulonephritis.
Dr. Kielstein opined that petitioner’s onset of symptoms three to five days post-vaccination
was an appropriate temporal interval for an autoimmune reaction. Dr. Kaplan disagreed; in his
opinion, a three-day onset was too short for an autoimmune reaction. Additionally, Dr. Kaplan
submitted that petitioner’s symptoms on November 6, 2011, were not consistent with a renal
condition or glomerulonephritis, and the timing of petitioner’s diagnosis of RPGN seven days after
her flu vaccination was coincidental.
According to Dr. Kielstein, published literature supports “the onset of renal side effects of
influenza vaccination that have been based on renal biopsy findings, have been described 4 days
(Ex. 38) to 4 weeks (Ex. 22) after the vaccination.” Pet. Ex. 21 at 8. Dr. Kaplan agreed with Dr.
Kielstein, going so far as to state, “It is gratifying to me that Dr. Kielstein agrees with me” on the
timing of onset for an immune response to flu vaccination. Resp. Ex. S at 1; see also Resp. Ex. Q
at 1-2 (agreeing that “published evidence…supports the notion” that an immune response to flu
vaccination occurs within four days to four weeks of vaccination).
To further support his opinion, Dr. Kielstein pointed out that the package insert for the flu
vaccine lists side effects in terms of severity for the first seven days “because this is the timeframe
for an intense immune response.” Tr. 82. As set forth above, “on day seven, you have a peak in
the immunoglobulin production and side effects. Especially those that can be attributed to the
cytokine production are predominantly found within the first seven days.” Tr. 82.
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Petitioner testified that three days after her November 3, 2011 flu vaccine, she began to
experience “headache, body aches, [and] typical viral symptoms.” Tr. 10. On November 7, 2011,
she developed severe chills and neck pain and was unable to get out of bed to go to work. Tr. 10-
11. This was unusual and as a nurse, alarming. Tr. 10-11. She presented to the hospital on
November 8, 2011. At that time, five days after vaccination, her creatinine was elevated at 3.0. Tr.
37-38.
Dr. Kielstein explained how a severe autoimmune injury like RPGN could occur within
five days of vaccination. “…you have the cytokine changes within hours of the vaccination and
you have the antibiotic [sic] production peaking on day seven but of course ramping up much
earlier. So from a theoretical point of view, that timeframe would be sufficient enough to – for the
vaccine causing RPGN.” Tr. 37.
Specifically, petitioner had a creatinine level of 3.0 on November 8, five days after
vaccination, which “means the onset of the renal disease had to be prior to that…it would probably
[take] like two days to get your creatinine up from 1 to 3 with full-blow inflammation of the kidney.
So [onset] had to be between day three and five.” Tr. 38. In other words, for petitioner’s creatinine
to be at 3.0 when she went to the ER on November 8, 2011, the immune process must have begun
three to five days before. Tr. 37-38. Dr. Kielstein cited to several articles of medical literature to
support his opinion. See, e.g., Pet. Ex. 38 (case report of patient who developed minimal change
nephrotic syndrome four days after flu vaccination); Pet. Ex. 22 (study noting eight patients who
developed ANCA-associated vasculitis between 12 days and four weeks after flu vaccination); Pet.
Ex. 23 at 3 (finding that immune response to flu vaccination peaked for some IgM, IgG, and IgA
anti-influenza titers seven days after vaccination).
However, at hearing, Dr. Kaplan stated that petitioner’s onset of symptoms three days post-
vaccination was not medically appropriate. In his opinion, three days is “not even at the short end
of the time intervals that people have shown for known immunological causes of renal injury.” Tr.
126. For example, glomerulonephritis caused by streptococcus bacteria usually occurs within
seven to 14 days of infection. Tr. 126. According to Dr. Kaplan, looking at all of the
immunologically mediated forms of kidney disease in which a pathogen has more likely than not
been found to have a relationship with glomerulonephritis, there are no examples where the onset
is as short as three days. Tr. 127.
Dr. Kaplan subsequently opined that petitioner’s onset of symptoms four days post-
vaccination was an outlier when compared to the cases discussed in Pet. Ex. 22, where eight
patients developed ANCA-associated vasculitis between 12 days and four weeks after flu
vaccination. Tr. 127-28; Pet. Ex. 22 at 4. This contrast added to Dr. Kaplan’s doubts that
petitioner’s RPGN/PGNMID was associated with the flu vaccine. Tr. 128. However, he then
conceded that there was a case where a patient had onset of minimal-change nephrotic syndrome
within four days of flu vaccination. Tr. 149; Pet. Ex. 38.
In response to Dr. Kielstein’s opinion that petitioner’s creatinine level of 3.0 on November
8 indicated that her immune process started three to five days before, Dr. Kaplan stated that
petitioner’s creatinine level on the day of her flu vaccination was unknown, so it is unclear how
many days it would take for her creatinine level to increase to 3.0. Tr. 99, 138. He added that
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doubling time of serum creatinine depends on the disease involved; some say it is between 1.0 and
1.5 milligrams a day. Tr. 99. It could take years for a person’s creatinine level to increase from
normal to 3.0, depending on the underlying condition. Tr. 138-39. No literature was provided in
support of this testimony.
In his reports, Dr. Kaplan agreed with Dr. Kielstein that an immune response to the flu
vaccine can occur within four days to four weeks of vaccination. At hearing, he placed petitioner’s
onset of symptoms at both three days and four days post-vaccination. Even when he placed onset
at four days, within the range that he previously agreed was appropriate, he refused to accept that
petitioner’s onset of symptoms could be consistent with an immune response to the flu vaccine.
Dr. Kielstein persuasively explained that cytokine changes occur within hours of
vaccination, peaking with an immune response seven days post-vaccination. He cited to studies,
and case reports to support this opinion. He then explained how petitioner’s clinical course
comports with a severe autoimmune response to the flu vaccine. Petitioner suffered normal side
effects initially after the flu vaccine. Then, four days after vaccination, she developed neck pain
and an inability to get out of bed. Five days after her flu vaccine, petitioner presented to the ER;
she had a creatinine level 3.0. On November 10, 2011, petitioner returned to the ER in complete
renal failure and was hospitalized. The kidney biopsy performed on November 11, 2011, seven
days after vaccination revealed acute crescentic GN, with fresh crescents, breaks in the glomerular
basement, and evidence of IgG immune complexes, consistent with the literature for
RPGN/PGNMID. Having had flu vaccines in the past, petitioner’s rapid onset of an immune-
mediated disease within three to four days of a vaccination is well-supported by relevant medical
literature.
Petitioner has satisfied Prong III.
C. Burden Shifting: Respondent Must Show an Alternative Cause of Injury
A petitioner who satisfies all three prongs of the Althen test has established a prima facie
showing of causation. Hammitt v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 98 Fed. Cl. 719 (2011).
Consequently, the burden now shifts to the government to prove that an alternative cause, unrelated
to the administration of the vaccine, was the “sole substantial factor” in causing the alleged injury.
De Bazan, 539 F.3d at 1354; see also Hammitt, 98 Fed. Cl. at 726 (explaining that respondent’s
burden is to show that the “factor unrelated” was the “sole substantial factor” in causing the injury).
Additionally, a factor unrelated “may not include ‘any idiopathic, unexplained, unknown,
hypothetical, or undocumentable cause, factor, injury, illness or condition.’” 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-
13(a)(2); see also Doe/11 v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 83 Fed. Cl. 157 (2008) (holding that
an idiopathic diagnosis cannot be a “factor unrelated,” as it is idiopathic).
Respondent submitted that petitioner had a preexisting chronic silent kidney disease. His
position through his expert evolved from the initial preexisting silent kidney disease which the flu
vaccine had nothing to do with to an acute and chronic kidney disease that Dr. Kaplan could not
say was not affected by the influenza vaccine. Respondent’s position is not persuasive.
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Based on the foregoing, I conclude that the influenza vaccine petitioner received on
November 3, 2011 was the cause of or a substantial contributing factor in causing her
RPGN/PGMNID.
VI. Conclusion
Petitioner has presented preponderant evidence that the influenza vaccine she received on
November 3, 2011 was the significant factor in her development of RPGN/PGMNID. This case
shall proceed to damages.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/ Mindy Michaels Roth
Mindy Michaels Roth
Special Master
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