Agranulocitosis febril y artropatía reactiva asociada a consumo de cocaína en un paciente HLA B27 positivo / Febrile agranulocytosis and reactive arthropathy associated with cocaine consumption in an HLA B27 positive patient

Resumen La agranulocitosis asociada al consumo de cocaína es un fenómeno vinculado a la presencia de levamisol, un agente antihelmíntico e inmunomodulador, usado como adulterante de la cocaína. Esta reacción puede presentarse con mayor frecuencia en personas con HLA B27. Además de la agranulocitosis, las personas que consumen cocaína adulterada con levamisol pueden desarrollar fiebre, lesiones en piel, artralgias y, menos frecuentemente, artritis y entesitis inflamatoria. Presentamos el caso de un paciente consumidor de cocaína, con genotipo HLA B27, que desarrolló agranulocitosis febril y artropatía reactiva. En sangre se detectó la presencia de ANCA p, ANCA atípico y MPO, y fueron excluidas otras causas de agranulocitosis. Fue tratado con corticoides y posteriormente metotrexato, terapia de deshabituación, con buena evolución.

Abstract Agranulocytosis associated with cocaine use is a phenomenon linked to the presence of levamisole, an anthelminthic and immunomodulating agent, used as an adulterant to cocaine. This reaction has been associated with the presence of HLA B27. In addition to agranulocytosis, people who use levamisole-adulterated cocaine may develop fever, skin lesions, arthralgias, and less frequently, inflammatory enthesitis and arthritis. We present the case of a cocaine-consuming patient with HLA B27 genotype, who developed febrile agranulocytosis and inflammatory arthropathy. The presence of p ANCA, atypical ANCA and MPO was detected in blood, and other causes of agranulocytosis were excluded. He was treated with corticosteroids and later methotrexate, therapy for addiction, with good evolution.

[Febrile agranulocytosis and reactive arthropathy associated with cocaine consumption in an HLA B27 positive patient]. / Agranulocitosis febril y artropatía reactiva asociada a consumo de cocaína en un paciente HLA B27 positivo.

Agranulocytosis associated with cocaine use is a phenomenon linked to the presence of levamisole, an anthelminthic and immunomodulating agent, used as an adulterant to cocaine. This reaction has been associated with the presence of HLA B27. In addition to agranulocytosis, people who use levamisole-adulterated cocaine may develop fever, skin lesions, arthralgias, and less frequently, inflammatory enthesitis and arthritis. We present the case of a cocaine-consuming patient with HLA B27 genotype, who developed febrile agranulocytosis and inflammatory arthropathy. The presence of p ANCA, atypical ANCA and MPO was detected in blood, and other causes of agranulocytosis were excluded. He was treated with corticosteroids and later methotrexate, therapy for addiction, with good evolution.

La agranulocitosis asociada al consumo de cocaína es un fenómeno vinculado a la presencia de levamisol, un agente antihelmíntico e inmunomodulador, usado como adulterante de la cocaína. Esta reacción puede presentarse con mayor frecuencia en personas con HLA B27. Además de la agranulocitosis, las personas que consumen cocaína adulterada con levamisol pueden desarrollar fiebre, lesiones en piel, artralgias y, menos frecuentemente, artritis y entesitis inflamatoria. Presentamos el caso de un paciente consumidor de cocaína, con genotipo HLA B27, que desarrolló agranulocitosis febril y artropatía reactiva. En sangre se detectó la presencia de ANCA p, ANCA atípico y MPO, y fueron excluidas otras causas de agranulocitosis. Fue tratado con corticoides y posteriormente metotrexato, terapia de deshabituación, con buena evolución.

Albendazole, levamisole and ivermectin are effective against monogeneans of Colossoma macropomum (Pisces: Serrasalmidae).

This study evaluated the efficacy of albendazole, ivermectin, levamisole, mebendazole and praziquantel on monogeneans of Colossoma macropomum, based on in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro assays indicated that albendazole (500, 100, 1,500 and 2,000 mg/L), ivermectin (200, 250, 300 and 350 mg/L) and levamisole (50, 75, 100 and 125 mg/L) were 100% effective against Anacanthorus spatulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis, Mymarothecium boegeri and Linguadactyloides brinkmanni, while mebendazole (125, 150, 175 and 200 mg/L) and praziquantel (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/L) were ineffective. Fish mortality in 24 hr therapeutic baths with 500 mg/L of albendazole was 6.6%, but the behaviour of the animals remained unchanged, while 200 mg/L of ivermectin caused lethargy, signs of hypoxia and 100% mortality within 2 hr, and 125 mg/L of levamisole caused no mortality. The efficacy of 500 mg/L of albendazole was 48.6% in the 24 hr baths, while that of 125 mg/L levamisole was 88.2%. Although ivermectin showed in vitro efficacy, the lowest concentration used in baths was highly toxic to fish. Therefore, we recommend the use of 125 mg/L of levamisole to control and treat monogenean infestations on C. macropomum in fish farming.

Clinical Profile of Levamisole-Adulterated Cocaine-Induced Vasculitis/Vasculopathy: A 30-Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to describe clinical and laboratory manifestations of patients with levamisole-adulterated cocaine-induced vasculitis/vasculopathy and to propose a skin classification according to the distribution and severity of lesions. METHODS: We report the characteristics of 30 patients admitted with levamisole-adulterated cocaine-induced vasculitis/vasculopathy in 4 high-complexity institutions in Colombia, from December 2010 to May 2017. We compare our findings with the main published series. RESULTS: Median age was 31 years (interquartile range, 27-38 years) with a male-to-female ratio of 5:1. Eighty-three percent of the patients had retiform purpura affecting the limbs, buttocks, face, or abdomen; 73% had ear necrosis, 50% cutaneous ulcers, 17% genital necrosis, 13% oral ulcers, and 10% digital necrosis. Cutaneous involvement was classified according to the frequency of the compromised corporal area, and purpuric lesions were stratified in 4 grades of severity. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies were positive in 85% of the cases, lupus anticoagulant in 73%, and antinuclear autoantibodies in 57%; rheumatoid factor was negative in all cases. We found nephritis in 17 cases (57%). Prednisolone was used in most of the patients (70%), with other immunosuppressive agents being used in a lower percentage. Improvement was observed in 93% of the patients, but symptoms recurred in 40%, attributed to relapses in consumption. End-stage chronic renal disease developed in 10% of the cases, and 1 patient died. CONCLUSIONS: Because of rising cocaine consumption and levamisole adulteration frequency, levamisole-adulterated cocaine-induced vasculitis/vasculopathy is becoming more common. Detailed characterization of skin involvement coupled with multiple antibody positivity is essential for a diagnosis. Renal involvement is frequent, clinically and histologically heterogeneous, and potentially serious.

Cocaine-Levamisole-Induced Vasculitis/Vasculopathy Syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To understand the clinical spectrum of cocaine-levamisole-induced vasculitis. Worldwide recreational drug consumption is high among the adult population from various social strata. The use of cocaine with levamisole, a frequently added antiparasitic diluent, favors the manifestations of vasculitic lesions, especially in the skin. RECENT FINDINGS: New insights into immunological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. There are still many unknown aspects in the pathogenesis of this disease, such as the immune system interaction with p-ANCAs and the release of inflammatory NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps), which are the origin of auto-antigens and tissue damage, manifesting as vasculitic purpura on the skin. The clinical presentation constitutes a challenge for the clinician to be able to distinguish it from small-vessel vasculitides. This paper intends to improve the understanding of this condition, exhibiting the broad clinical spectrum of local and systemic manifestations of cocaine-levamisole-induced vasculitis, to facilitate a timely diagnosis, in order to take corrective measures and avoid sequelae, along with tissue damage and the consequent deformities and permanent scars.

Cocaína adulterada con levamisol: reporte de tres casos clínicos / Levamisole-adulterated cocaine: a report on three clinical cases

El consumo de clorhidrato y pasta base de cocaína en Uruguay tiene una prevalencia de vida del 6,9% y 0,7% respectivamente. Las complicaciones tóxicas secundarias al consumo dependen de la concentración del alcaloide así como de la presencia de adulterantes. El levamisol, antihelmíntico veterinario, reconocido adulterante de la cocaína en Estados Unidos (2003), fue detectado en Uruguay en el año 2013. Este adulterante genera complicaciones tales como neutropenia, vasculitis cutánea, glomerulonefritis, hemorragia pulmonar y leucoencefalopatía. Se describen los tres primeros casos clínicos de complicaciones por levamisol como adulterante de cocaína reportados al Centro de Información y Asesoramiento Toxicológico. Los pacientes eran consumidores crónicos con edades entre los 35 y 40 años. En los tres casos se objetivó un púrpura retiforme con centro necrótico asociado a anticuerpos ANCA positivos con tendencia a presentarse en lóbulos de orejas, mejillas y extremidades, tal como se reporta en las vasculitis por levamisol. Se reportó neutropenia asociada en un caso. Los tres pacientes presentaron anemia. Dos casos presentaron falla renal aguda. El tratamiento principal fue el cese del consumo, lo que produjo una reversión completa de las complicaciones. Todos requirieron debridación o injertos de piel, o ambos. Se discuten y analizan las complicaciones mencionadas así como el riesgo que conlleva la reexposición y los tratamientos propuestos para las mismas, tales como los factores de crecimiento de granulocitos, antibióticos de amplio espectro y los corticoides. Se requiere un alto índice de sospecha para vincular estas manifestaciones clínicas a la presencia de levamisol como adulterante de la cocaína.

Consumption of cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base paste (CBP) in Uruguay has a lifetime prevalence of 6.9% and 0.7% respectively. Complications associated to toxic side effects of cocaine abuse depend on the concentration of the alkaloid, as well as on the presence of adulterants. Levamisole, a veterinary anthelmintic, a well know cocaine adulterant in the US was identified in Uruguay in 2013. This adulterant results in complications such as neutropenia, skin vasculitis, glomerulonephritis and leukoencephalopathy. The study describes the first three clinical cases of complications resulting from cocaine cut with levamisole reported to the Toxicology Center for Information and Counseling. The patients included were chronic cocaine abusers between 35 and 40 years old. Retiform purpura was detected in the three cases with a necrotic center associated to ANCA antibodies, with a tendency to appear in the earlobes, cheeks, and limbs, as it is reported in levamisole associated vasculitis. Neutropenia was reported in one case. The three patients had anemia. Two of the cases presented acute kidney failure. The main treatment was interruption of consumption, what resulted in a complete reversion of complications. All patients required debridement or skin grafts, or both. The above mentioned complications are discussed and analyzed, as well as the risk re-exposure and the suggested treatments involve, as the granulocytes growth factors, broad spectrum antibiotics and corticoids. A high degree of suspicion is required to associate these clinical manifestations to the presence of levamisole as a cocaine adulterant.

O consumo de cloridrato e pasta base de cocaína no Uruguai tem uma prevalência de vida de 6,9% e 0,7% respectivamente. As complicações tóxicas secundarias ao consumo dependem da concentração do alcaloide como também da presença de adulterantes. O levamisol, anti-helmíntico veterinário, um conhecido adulterante da cocaína nos Estados Unidos (2003), foi detectado no Uruguai em 2013. Este adulterante gera complicações tais como neutropenia, vasculite cutânea, glomerulonefrite, hemorragia pulmonar e leucoencefalopatia. Os três primeiros casos clínicos de complicações por levamisol como adulterante de cocaína informados ao Centro de Información y Asesoramiento Toxicológico são descritos. Os pacientes eram consumidores crônicos com idades entre 35 e 40 anos. Nos três casos se observou púrpura retiforme com centro necrótico associado a anticorpos ANCA positivos com tendência a apresentação nos lóbulos das orelhas, bochechas e extremidades, como estão descritas nas vasculites por levamisol. Em um caso foi observada neutropenia. Três pacientes apresentaram anemia e dois falha renal aguda. O tratamento principal foi a cessação do consumo com reversão total das complicações. Foi necessário realizar debridação ou enxertos de pele, ou ambos em todos os casos. As complicações mencionadas bem como o risco vinculado à reposição e os tratamentos propostos para as mesmas, como por exemplo os fatores de crescimento de granulócitos, antibióticos de amplio espectro e corticoides, são discutidos e analisados. É necesssário um alto índice de suspeita para vincular estas manifestações clínicas à presença de levamisol como adulterante da cocaína.

Cocaine/levamisole-induced systemic vasculitis with retiform purpura and pauci-immune glomerulonephritis.

Levamisole has been increasingly used as an adulterant of cocaine in recent years, emerging as a public health challenge worldwide. Levamisole-associated toxicity manifests clinically as a systemic vasculitis, consisting of cutaneous, hematological, and renal lesions, among others. Purpura retiform, cutaneous necrosis, intravascular thrombosis, neutropenia, and less commonly crescentic nephritis have been described in association with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) and other autoantibodies. Here we report the case of a 49-year-old male who was a chronic cocaine user, and who presented spontaneous weight loss, arthralgia, and 3 weeks before admission purpuric skin lesions in the earlobes and in the anterior thighs. His laboratory tests on admission showed serum creatinine of 4.56 mg/dL, white blood count 3,800/µL, hemoglobin 7.3 g/dL, urinalysis with 51 white blood cells/µL and 960 red blood cells/µL, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio 1.20. Serum ANCA testing was positive (>1:320), as well as serum anti-myeloperoxidase and anti-proteinase 3 antibodies. Urine toxicology screen was positive for cocaine and levamisole, with 62.8% of cocaine, 32.2% of levamisole, and 5% of an unidentified substance. Skin and renal biopsies were diagnostic for leukocytoclastic vasculitis and pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis, respectively. The patient showed a good clinical response to cocaine abstinence, and use of corticosteroids and intravenous cyclophosphamide. Last serum creatinine was 1.97 mg/dL, white blood cell count 7,420/µL, and hemoglobin level 10.8 g/dL. In levamisole-induced systemic vasculitis, the early institution of cocaine abstinence, concomitant with the use of immunosuppressive drugs in severe cases, may prevent permanent end organ damage and associate with better clinical outcomes.

Cocaine/levamisole-induced systemic vasculitis with retiform purpura and pauci-immune glomerulonephritis

Levamisole has been increasingly used as an adulterant of cocaine in recent years, emerging as a public health challenge worldwide. Levamisole-associated toxicity manifests clinically as a systemic vasculitis, consisting of cutaneous, hematological, and renal lesions, among others. Purpura retiform, cutaneous necrosis, intravascular thrombosis, neutropenia, and less commonly crescentic nephritis have been described in association with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) and other autoantibodies. Here we report the case of a 49-year-old male who was a chronic cocaine user, and who presented spontaneous weight loss, arthralgia, and 3 weeks before admission purpuric skin lesions in the earlobes and in the anterior thighs. His laboratory tests on admission showed serum creatinine of 4.56 mg/dL, white blood count 3,800/μL, hemoglobin 7.3 g/dL, urinalysis with 51 white blood cells/μL and 960 red blood cells/μL, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio 1.20. Serum ANCA testing was positive (>1:320), as well as serum anti-myeloperoxidase and anti-proteinase 3 antibodies. Urine toxicology screen was positive for cocaine and levamisole, with 62.8% of cocaine, 32.2% of levamisole, and 5% of an unidentified substance. Skin and renal biopsies were diagnostic for leukocytoclastic vasculitis and pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis, respectively. The patient showed a good clinical response to cocaine abstinence, and use of corticosteroids and intravenous cyclophosphamide. Last serum creatinine was 1.97 mg/dL, white blood cell count 7,420/μL, and hemoglobin level 10.8 g/dL. In levamisole-induced systemic vasculitis, the early institution of cocaine abstinence, concomitant with the use of immunosuppressive drugs in severe cases, may prevent permanent end organ damage and associate with better clinical outcomes.

[Agranulocytosis induced by levamisole in association to cocaine]. / Agranulocitosis por levamisol asociado a cocaína.

Agranulocytosis in cocaine users is a worldwide recently recognized condition. It is due to the utilization as cutting agent of levamisole, an ancient antiparasitic and immunomodulator drug. We describe the case of a patient with agranulocytosis induced by levamisole in association to cocaine and we review clinical and biochemical characteristics of the clinical picture, as well as the management of these patients. We also analyze the reasons related to a more and more frequent practice, the addition of levamisole to cocaine. This is the first case described in our country, although it is probable that there are many not recognized or not described cases related to this pathology.

Agranulocitosis por levamisol asociado a cocaína / Agranulocytosis induced by levamisole in association to cocaine

La neutropenia en usuarios de cocaína es una condición de reciente reconocimiento en distintos países. Se debe a la utilización del levamisol, una antigua droga antiparasitaria e inmunomoduladora, como agente de corte. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con agranulocitosis por levamisol asociado a cocaína y una revisión de las características del cuadro, así como del control de estos pacientes. También se tratan los motivos vinculados al agregado cada vez más frecuente de levamisol a la cocaína. Este es el primer caso descrito en nuestro país, si bien es probable que existan muchos casos no reconocidos o no comunicados de esta enfermedad.

Agranulocytosis in cocaine users is a worldwide recently recognized condition. It is due to the utilization as cutting agent of levamisole, an ancient antiparasitic and immunomodulator drug. We describe the case of a patient with agranulocytosis induced by levamisole in association to cocaine and we review clinical and biochemical characteristics of the clinical picture, as well as the management of these patients. We also analyze the reasons related to a more and more frequent practice, the addition of levamisole to cocaine. This is the first case described in our country, although it is probable that there are many not recognized or not described cases related to this pathology.

Agranulocitosis por levamisol asociado a cocaína / Agranulocytosis induced by levamisole in association to cocaine

La neutropenia en usuarios de cocaína es una condición de reciente reconocimiento en distintos países. Se debe a la utilización del levamisol, una antigua droga antiparasitaria e inmunomoduladora, como agente de corte. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con agranulocitosis por levamisol asociado a cocaína y una revisión de las características del cuadro, así como del control de estos pacientes. También se tratan los motivos vinculados al agregado cada vez más frecuente de levamisol a la cocaína. Este es el primer caso descrito en nuestro país, si bien es probable que existan muchos casos no reconocidos o no comunicados de esta enfermedad.(AU)

Agranulocytosis in cocaine users is a worldwide recently recognized condition. It is due to the utilization as cutting agent of levamisole, an ancient antiparasitic and immunomodulator drug. We describe the case of a patient with agranulocytosis induced by levamisole in association to cocaine and we review clinical and biochemical characteristics of the clinical picture, as well as the management of these patients. We also analyze the reasons related to a more and more frequent practice, the addition of levamisole to cocaine. This is the first case described in our country, although it is probable that there are many not recognized or not described cases related to this pathology.(AU)

Agranulocitosis por levamisol asociado a cocaína. / [Agranulocytosis induced by levamisole in association to cocaine].

Agranulocytosis in cocaine users is a worldwide recently recognized condition. It is due to the utilization as cutting agent of levamisole, an ancient antiparasitic and immunomodulator drug. We describe the case of a patient with agranulocytosis induced by levamisole in association to cocaine and we review clinical and biochemical characteristics of the clinical picture, as well as the management of these patients. We also analyze the reasons related to a more and more frequent practice, the addition of levamisole to cocaine. This is the first case described in our country, although it is probable that there are many not recognized or not described cases related to this pathology.

Epilepsia partialis continua associated with levamisole.

Epilepsia partialis continua is defined as a spontaneous regular or irregular clonic muscular twitching affecting a limited part of the body, occurring for a minimum of 1 hour and recurring at intervals of less than 10 seconds. Levamisole is used as an immunomodulating medication in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers. Evidence suggests that it can induce multifocal inflammatory leukoencephalopathy. We describe the clinical neuroimaging and ictal electroencephalographic findings in an adolescent with epilepsia partialis continua caused by the administration of levamisole with cortical and subcortical lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first report that describes the association of epilepsia partialis continua cortical lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging and levamisole that were not previously described.

[Levamisole does not prevent lesions of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial]. / Levamisol não previne lesões de estomatite aftosa recorrente: um ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego e controlado por placebo.

OBJECTIVE: to utilize a double-blind protocol to provide clarification about the safety and effectiveness of levamisole in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. METHODS: Fourteen patients took a decreasing dose of oral levamisole for six months (initial dose 150mg three times a week) and ten others were placebo control patients. All were evaluated monthly. RESULTS: The number of crises had a tendency to decrease in both groups, but without a difference between groups. The number of lesions diminished significantly in the two groups, but upon comparison the difference was not significant. Duration of the lesions diminished significantly in the placebo, however when compared to the levamisole group, difference was not significant during treatment. The intensity of pain was significantly lower in the two groups, but upon comparison, pain was significantly lower in the placebo group. The final global evaluation showed improvement in 50% of patients of the levamisole group and in 70% of the placebo, without a significant difference between treatments. No difference in the frequency of collateral effects was observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Levamisole, as used in this protocol, is a safe drug. When compared with the placebo, levamisole is not effective in the prophylactic treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The placebo effect is important in diseases where emotional factors affect recurrence or expression of symptoms.

Levamisol não previne lesões de estomatite aftosa recorrente: um ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego e controlado por placebo / Levamisole does not prevent lesions of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia e a segurança do levamisol no tratamento profilático da afta recorrente, utilizando um protocolo de estudo duplo-cego. MÉTODOS: Quatorze pacientes receberam doses decrescentes de levamisol por via oral por seis meses (dose inicial de 150mg três vezes por semana). Dez pacientes receberam placebo. As avaliações foram mensais. RESULTADOS: Houve tendência à diminuição do número de crises nos dois grupos, mas sem diferenças entre ambos. O número de lesões diminuiu significantemente nos grupos levamisol e placebo, mas na comparação entre eles a diferença não foi significante. A duração das lesões diminuiu significantemente no grupo placebo, porém ao compará-lo com o grupo levamisol a diferença não foi significante durante todo o tratamento. A intensidade da dor foi significantemente menor nos dois grupos, mas ao compará-los a dor foi significantemente menor no grupo placebo. A avaliação global final mostrou melhora em 50 por cento dos pacientes do grupo levamisol e em 70 por cento do Placebo, sem diferença significante entre os dois tratamentos. Não foi observada diferença na frequência de efeitos colaterais entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Levamisol, como usado nesse protocolo, é uma droga segura. Comparado ao placebo, levamisol não é efetivo no tratamento profilático da afta recorrente. O efeito placebo é importante em desordens nas quais fatores emocionais afetam a recorrência ou a expressão de sintomas.

OBJECTIVE: to utilize a double-blind protocol to provide clarification about the safety and effectiveness of levamisole in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. METHODS: Fourteen patients took a decreasing dose of oral levamisole for six months (initial dose 150mg three times a week) and ten others were placebo control patients. All were evaluated monthly. RESULTS: The number of crises had a tendency to decrease in both groups, but without a difference between groups. The number of lesions diminished significantly in the two groups, but upon comparison the difference was not significant. Duration of the lesions diminished significantly in the placebo, however when compared to the levamisole group, difference was not significant during treatment. The intensity of pain was significantly lower in the two groups, but upon comparison, pain was significantly lower in the placebo group. The final global evaluation showed improvement in 50 percent of patients of the levamisole group and in 70 percent of the placebo, without a significant difference between treatments. No difference in the frequency of collateral effects was observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Levamisole, as used in this protocol, is a safe drug. When compared with the placebo, levamisole is not effective in the prophylactic treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The placebo effect is important in diseases where emotional factors affect recurrence or expression of symptoms.

[Dermatopathy associated with levamisole-induced reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy]. / Dermatopatía asociada a leucoencefalopatía posterior reversible inducida por levamisol.

Levamisole is an antihelmintic drug that stimulates antibodies formation increasing both T response, and neutrophilic response, and quimiotaxis. It is used in dermatology for the treatment of plane warts, erythema multiforme, aphtous ulcers and, with prednisone, in lichen planus. With prolonged use this drug has been implicated in adverse dermatological reactions as lichenoid eruptions, ulcers and vasculitis. We present a 9-years old girl who developed a cutaneous eruption and a reverse leucoencephalopathy with a short treatment but high doses of the drug.

Dermatopatía asociada a leucoencefalopatía posterior reversible inducida por levamisol / Dermatopathy associated with levamisole induced reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy

Levamisol es una droga antihelmíntica con propiedades inmunomoduladoras que estimula la formación de anticuerpos y aumenta la respuesta T, la respuesta neutrofílica y laquimiotaxis. Se utiliza en dermatología para el tratamiento de verrugas planas, eritema multiforme, úlceras aftosas, vitíligo y,conjuntamente con prednisolona, en el liquen plano.Con el uso prolongado del medicamento se han comunicadoefectos adversos dermatológicos, como erupciones liquenoides,ulceraciones y vasculitis.Comunicamos el caso de una niña de 9 años que desarrolló uncuadro de erupción cutánea y leucoencefalopatía reversible con un tratamiento breve de levamisol pero con dosis elevadas.

Levamisole is an antihelmintic drug that stimulates antibodies formation increasing both T response, and neutrophilic response, and quimiotaxis. It is used in dermatology for the treatment of plane warts, erythema multiforme, aphtous ulcers and, with prednisone, in lichen planus. With prolonged use this drug has been implicated in adverse dermatological reactions as lichenoid eruptions, ulcers and vasculitis. We present a 9-years old girl who developed a cutaneous eruption and a reverse leucoencephalopathy with a short treatment but high doses of the drug.

Dermatopatía asociada a leucoencefalopatía posterior reversible inducida por levamisol / Dermatopathy associated with levamisole induced reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy

Levamisol es una droga antihelmíntica con propiedades inmunomoduladoras que estimula la formación de anticuerpos y aumenta la respuesta T, la respuesta neutrofílica y laquimiotaxis. Se utiliza en dermatología para el tratamiento de verrugas planas, eritema multiforme, úlceras aftosas, vitíligo y,conjuntamente con prednisolona, en el liquen plano.Con el uso prolongado del medicamento se han comunicadoefectos adversos dermatológicos, como erupciones liquenoides,ulceraciones y vasculitis.Comunicamos el caso de una niña de 9 años que desarrolló uncuadro de erupción cutánea y leucoencefalopatía reversible con un tratamiento breve de levamisol pero con dosis elevadas.(AU)

Levamisole is an antihelmintic drug that stimulates antibodies formation increasing both T response, and neutrophilic response, and quimiotaxis. It is used in dermatology for the treatment of plane warts, erythema multiforme, aphtous ulcers and, with prednisone, in lichen planus. With prolonged use this drug has been implicated in adverse dermatological reactions as lichenoid eruptions, ulcers and vasculitis. We present a 9-years old girl who developed a cutaneous eruption and a reverse leucoencephalopathy with a short treatment but high doses of the drug.(AU)

Reação farmacodérmica decorrente do uso do levamisol: relato de caso / Pharmacodermic adverse reaction due to levamisole: a case report

Relata-se a ocorrência de um caso de farmacodérmica pelo levamisol e discute-se sobre a manifestação clínica e o estabelecimento do diagnóstico dessa reação cutânea adversa. O animal desenvolveu lesões exsudativas na face, com resolução espontânea após a suspensão do fármaco.