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Ivermectin induced Steven-Johnsons syndrome: case report
Desmond Aroke1,2, Diego Nitcheu Tchouakam3,4, Alexis Tazinya Awungia5
1Nkwen Baptist Health Center, Bamenda, Cameroon. arokedess@hotmail.com.
BMC Research Notes
|May 10, 2017
Summary
Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe drug reaction, was potentially caused by ivermectin in an HIV-positive patient. This case highlights a possible increased susceptibility to ivermectin
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance
- Adverse Drug Reactions
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe mucocutaneous drug reaction.
- Antimicrobials cause over 50% of these reactions.
- Ivermectin is rarely implicated in such reactions.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old male presented with symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome after ivermectin ingestion.
- The patient had newly diagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
- Clinical presentation included facial rash, oral sores, and ocular inflammation.
Findings:
- A diagnosis of ivermectin-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome was made.
- Laboratory tests were largely unremarkable, except for a positive HIV test.
- The patient's condition improved with supportive therapy.
Implications:
- Ivermectin can be a potential cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
- HIV infection may increase susceptibility to ivermectin-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring for severe drug reactions, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
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