John Libbey Eurotext




Maculo-papular rash induced by lopinavir/ritonavir
European Journal of Dermatology. Volume 15, Number 2, 97-8, March-April 2005, Clinical report
Free Article
Author(s) : Donato Calista
Summary : Two patients with HIV disease developed a pruritic, maculo-papular rash shortly after introducing an association of 2 protease inhibitors (PI) lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra ^®). The dermatitis started respectively 7 and 10 days after taking Kaletra ^®, improved on withdrawal, and relapsed following its reintroduction. Although itchy, the dermatitis was not life-threatening, and the patients were treated “through the rash” without suspending the drug. Histopathologic examination of lesional skin showed a non-specific inflammatory infiltration consisting of neutrophils and lymphocytes, but there were no eosinophils, nor dilatation of capillaries in the papillary dermis. HIV positive patients are more prone to drug-related rashes than the general population. Awareness of the side-effects of PI plays an important role in keeping compliance with the treatment and helps patients reach their goal in controlling the development of HIV. The safety profile of Kaletra ^® and its cutaneous side effects have yet to be completely elucidated.
Keywords : cutaneous side effect, protease inhibitors, lopinavir, ritonavir, maculo-papular rash

Maculo-papular rash induced by lopinavir/ritonavir