[Acute renal failure with acyclovir in a 42-year-old patient without previous renal dysfunction].
BACKGROUND
Herpetic meningoencephalitis is treated with acyclovir (15 mg/kg/8 h). This higher dosage enhance the risk of acute renal failure.


METHODS
We report the case of a previously healthy 42 years old man treated by intravenous aciclovir 1g/8 h for a herpetic meningoencephalitis. He presented an acute renal failure and an acute confusional state at the end of the treatment. Renal function and neurologic status improved rapidly with increased hydration and stop of the antiviral therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
If acyclovir is usually well tolerated, there is also a risk of acute nephropathy, especially dose-dependent. We point out the need to monitor renal function when high dosage of acyclovir is indicated.
De Deyne
S
S
Centre régional de pharmacovigilance, CHU de Côte-de-Nacre, 14033 Caen cedex, France. samueldd@orange.fr
De la Gastine
B
B
Gras
G
G
Dargère
S
S
Verdon
R
R
Coquerel
A
A
D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020803:Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir