[Rhabdomyolysis induced by pentamidine (Pentacarinat) during treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: 2 cases].
BACKGROUND
We report 2 patients who developed pentamidine-induced rhabdomyolysis during treatment of leishmaniasis. This potentially harmful side effect of pentamidine has only been reported exceptionally until now.


METHODS
In January 2001, we treated 2 patients, aged 31 and 38 years, with 600 mg pentamidine administered intramuscularly twice in 48 hours. The two patients developed rhabdomyolysis with elevated CPK (respectively 30-70-x normal) and myoglobinemia (respectively 20-28-x normal) levels. Outcome was good under hyperhydratation and alkaline diuresis.


CONCLUSIONS
This underestimated side effect of pentamidine treatment is not mentioned in recent articles on the topic. In case of such treatment however, these biological parameters should be monitored in order to establish the real frequency of this side-effect.
Lieber-Mbomeyo
A
A
Clinique Dermatologique, Hôpitaux Universitaires, 1, place de l'hôpital, 67091 Strasbourg Cedex, France.
Lipsker
D
D
Miléa
M
M
Heid
E
E
D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D010419:Pentamidine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis
D010419:Pentamidine
Rhabdomyolyse induite par l'iséthionate de pentamidine (Pentacarinat) lors du traitement d'une leishmaniose cutanée: 2 cas.