Zidovudine-induced lactic acidosis with acute pancreatitis and myopathy: Lethal and rare complications

Indian J Pharmacol. 2018 Jul-Aug;50(4):212-214. doi: 10.4103/ijp.IJP_285_18.

Abstract

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is nowadays universally available to patients with HIV/AIDS. This has led to increased longevity in people living with HIV/AIDS. However, these patients frequently face chronic and rarely acute life-threatening complications of HAART. Herein, we report the case of a patient who was on HAART and developed zidovudine-induced lactic acidosis, acute pancreatitis, and myopathy. Although these acute complications are rare, a high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and to reduce significant morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Acute pancreatitis; lactic acidosis; myopathy; zidovudine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis, Lactic / chemically induced*
  • Acidosis, Lactic / diagnosis
  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-HIV Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / adverse effects
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / methods
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscular Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Muscular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Pancreatitis / chemically induced*
  • Pancreatitis / diagnosis
  • Zidovudine / administration & dosage
  • Zidovudine / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Zidovudine