Adverse effects of antiretroviral treatment.
Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol
;
2008 May-Jun; 74(3): 234-7
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-52720
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to significant reduction in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related morbidity and mortality. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to antiretroviral treatment (ART) are however, major obstacles in its success.AIMS:
We sought to study the adverse effects of ART in a resource-restricted setting in India.METHODS:
Hundred patients on ART were studied prospectively over a period of two years. All patients were asked to visit the clinic if they developed any symptoms or on a monthly basis. They were screened clinically and investigated suitably for any ADRs.RESULT:
Out of the 100 patients, ten patients did not come for follow-up; only 90 cases were available for evaluation. ADRs were observed in 64 cases (71.1%) - the maximal frequency of ADRs was seen with zidovudine (AZT) (50%) followed by stavudine (d4T) (47.9%), efavirenz (EFV) (45.4%) and finally, Nevirapine (NVP) (18.4%). Most common ADRs were cutaneous (44.4%) followed by hematological (32.2%), neurological (31.1%), metabolic (22.2%) and gastrointestinal (20%). Most common cutaneous ADRs observed were nail hyperpigmentation (14.4%) and rash (13.3%). Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) was observed as a paradoxical reaction to ART in 20 (22.2%) cases.CONCLUSION:
To optimize adherence and thus, efficacy of ART, clinicians must focus on preventing adverse effects whenever possible, and distinguish those that are self-limited from those that are potentially serious.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
HIV Infections
/
Prospective Studies
/
Follow-Up Studies
/
Hyperpigmentation
/
Drug Eruptions
/
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
/
Anti-Retroviral Agents
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Language:
English
Journal:
Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol
Year:
2008
Type:
Article
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS