Adverse effects of antiretroviral treatment.
Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol
; 2008 May-Jun; 74(3): 234-7
Article
in En
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-52720
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:
1
Index:
IMSEAR
Main subject:
Female
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Humans
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Male
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HIV Infections
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Prospective Studies
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Follow-Up Studies
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Hyperpigmentation
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Drug Eruptions
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Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
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Anti-Retroviral Agents
Type of study:
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Language:
En
Journal:
Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol
Year:
2008
Type:
Article