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[Acute renal failure with acyclovir in a 42-year-old patient without previous renal dysfunction]
S De Deyne1, B De la Gastine, G Gras
1Centre régional de pharmacovigilance, CHU de Côte-de-Nacre, 14033 Caen cedex, France. samueldd@orange.fr
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|July 21, 2006
Summary
High-dose acyclovir for herpetic meningoencephalitis can cause acute kidney injury. Monitoring renal function is crucial during this intensive antiviral treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Herpetic meningoencephalitis treatment typically involves high-dose acyclovir.
- This dosage regimen is associated with an increased risk of acute renal failure.
Observation:
- A case report details a 42-year-old man treated with intravenous acyclovir (1g every 8 hours) for herpetic meningoencephalitis.
- The patient developed acute renal failure and an acute confusional state post-treatment.
Findings:
- Renal function and neurological status improved rapidly after discontinuing acyclovir and increasing hydration.
- The adverse events were linked to the high dosage of acyclovir administered.
Implications:
- Acyclovir can cause acute nephropathy, particularly in a dose-dependent manner.
- Close monitoring of renal function is essential when administering high-dose acyclovir therapies.
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