Isoniazid-induced pellagra

Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011 Dec;30(4):317-9. doi: 10.3109/15569527.2011.574303. Epub 2011 Apr 26.

Abstract

Pellagra is characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia and eventually death occurring as a result of niacin or its precursor tryptophan deficiency. Although pellagra is a well-known complication of isoniazid (INH) therapy, the clinical diagnosis may be missed or delayed that may cause life-threatening consequences. Due to the diversity of pellagra-related signs and symptoms, the diagnosis can be made with an appropriate index of suspicion. We report a 7-year-old boy presenting with INH-induced pellagra that resolved after the administration of the niacin therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antitubercular Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Isoniazid / administration & dosage
  • Isoniazid / adverse effects*
  • Isoniazid / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Niacinamide / administration & dosage
  • Niacinamide / therapeutic use
  • Pellagra / chemically induced*
  • Pellagra / complications
  • Pellagra / diagnosis
  • Pellagra / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / complications
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy
  • Vitamin B Complex / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin B Complex / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Niacinamide
  • Isoniazid