Abstract |
Although drug-induced rash is frequent in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, rash due to pyrimethamine has not been described previously. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of pyrimethamine as primary prophylaxis for toxoplasmic encephalitis, the incidence of rash (per hundred patient-years) was 8.1 in the pyrimethamine group versus 1.5 in the placebo group (P < .0002). The 1-year incidence of toxoplasmic encephalitis after occurrence of rash was 37%, as compared with 9.6% in the pyrimethamine group without rash, with a 3.7 times higher risk for patients with pyrimethamine-induced rash (P = .001); the incidence was 13% in the placebo group. At the time of toxoplasmic encephalitis, pyrimethamine was successfully readministered to 80% of patients who discontinued it because of rash. Thus, pyrimethamine, when used for prophylaxis, does induce rash in HIV-infected patients. These patients are at higher risk for toxoplasmic encephalitis and should be carefully monitored for it.
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Authors | F Rousseau, S Pueyo, P Morlat, R Hafner, G Chène, C Leport, B J Luft, J Miro, J Aubertin, R Salamon, J L Vildé |
Journal | Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
(Clin Infect Dis)
Vol. 24
Issue 3
Pg. 396-402
(Mar 1997)
ISSN: 1058-4838 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9114191
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Antiprotozoal Agents
- Pyrimethamine
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Topics |
- AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections
(prevention & control)
- Antiprotozoal Agents
(adverse effects)
- Disease Progression
- Double-Blind Method
- Drug Eruptions
(etiology)
- Encephalitis
(prevention & control)
- HIV Infections
(physiopathology)
- Humans
- Pyrimethamine
(adverse effects)
- Risk Factors
- Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral
(prevention & control)
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