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[Drug-induced fever caused by hydroxyurea. Apropos of 3 new cases]
C Gallant1, T Vial, Y Allochon
1Service de Pharmaco-Toxicovigilance et Centre Anti-Poisons, Hôpital Edouard-Herriot, Pavillon N, 69437 Lyon.
Abstract:
Drug-induced fever is a frequent (3-5% of all adverse effects) but under recognized adverse effect of several drugs. Hydroxyurea, an antimetabolite cytostatic agent, has rarely been involved in the occurrence of fever. We report three additional cases of hydroxyurea-induced fever including one case with pulmonary involvement (acute alveolitis). In these cases, the role of hydroxyurea was strongly suggested by the delay to onset of symptoms (16-36 days), the disappearance of fever within a few hours after drug withdrawal, the recurrence of fever shortly after rechallenge in two patients, and the absence of any other obvious cause.
Insights
Drug-induced fever from hydroxyurea is uncommon but documented. This study presents three new cases, one with lung issues, highlighting hydroxyurea
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Adverse Drug Reactions
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Drug-induced fever is a common adverse effect, often underdiagnosed.
- Hydroxyurea, an antimetabolite, is rarely associated with fever.
Observation:
- Three cases of hydroxyurea-induced fever are presented.
- One case involved pulmonary complications (acute alveolitis).
- Symptoms appeared 16-36 days after starting hydroxyurea.
Findings:
- Fever resolved rapidly upon hydroxyurea withdrawal.
- Fever recurred in two patients after drug rechallenge.
- No other causes for fever were identified.
Implications:
- Hydroxyurea should be considered in patients developing fever.
- Early recognition and drug withdrawal are crucial.
- Pulmonary involvement is a potential complication.