RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Neurotoxic effects during vidarabine therapy for herpes zoster
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 392
OP 395
VO 132
IS 4
A1 D. R. Burdge
A1 A. W. Chow
A1 S. L. Sacks
YR 1985
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/132/4/392.abstract
AB Two cases of neurotoxic effects resulting from therapy with vidarabine are described. Both patients were undergoing treatment for cutaneously disseminated herpes zoster complicating therapy for solid malignant tumours. Both had normal renal function. The serum levels of hepatic enzymes were normal in one patient and slightly elevated in the other. Neurotoxicity was first manifested in both patients by the development of intention tremors that progressed to gross tremors. Obtundation, coma and death ensued in one patient and pain syndromes in the other. Vidarabine-induced neurotoxic effects, which may occur in the absence of hepatic or renal dysfunction or treatment with another drug, may be mild initially but may progress rapidly to more serious, even life-threatening, conditions. Presentation of neurotoxic effects should be considered an indication for withdrawal of vidarabine.