Open AccessZidovudine-induced nail pigmentation in a 12-year-old boy
Author(s) -
Sanjeevani M Chawre,
Shraddha M. Pore,
Manish B Nandeshwar,
Nausheen M Masood
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
indian journal of pharmacology/the indian journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.286
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1998-3751
pISSN - 0253-7613
DOI - 10.4103/0253-7613.103306
Subject(s) - zidovudine , medicine , dermatology , nevirapine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , lamivudine , regimen , nail (fastener) , pediatrics , antiretroviral therapy , surgery , virology , viral disease , viral load , hepatitis b virus , virus , materials science , metallurgy
Zidovudine is an important component of first-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens used to manage pediatric HIV. Nail pigmentation with zidovudine is a well-documented occurrence in adults, especially dark-skinned individuals. But it has so far not been reported in children. Here, we report a pediatric case of zidovudine-induced nail pigmentation. A 12-year-old boy receiving ART with zidovudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine presented to dermatology OPD with complaint of diffuse bluish-brown discoloration of all fingernails. The pigmentation was noticed by the patient after 3 months of initiating zidovudine-based regimen. It first appeared in thumb nails, gradually involved all fingernails, and increased in intensity over time. Though harmless and reversible, psychological aspects of this noticeable side effect may hamper adherence to therapy and may lead to unnecessary investigations and treatment for misdiagnosis such as cyanosis or melanoma.