Tuberc Respir Dis.  2004 Aug;57(2):180-182. 10.4046/trd.2004.57.2.180.

A Case of Pellagra Induced by Isoniazid during Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

• Jeon HS
• Han MS
• Ahn JE
• Lee YD
• Cho Y

• KMID: 2132500
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2004.57.2.180

Abstract

A Case of Pellagra Induced by Isoniazid during Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Pellagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of nicotinic acid or niacin. It is mostly found among people eating corn-based diets in parts of China, Africa and India. It is also induced by drugs, such as isoniazid or 5-fluorouracil. Isoniazid inhibits the conversion of tryptophan to niacin and may induce pellagra, particularly in poorly nourished patients. Pellagra should be suspected whenever tuberculous patients under the treatment with isoniazid develop mental, neurological or gastrointestinal symptoms, even in the absence of typical skin changes. Herein, our experienced of a case of pellagra induced by isoniazid during treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis is reported. The patient was referred due to a skin rash and drowsy mental status. Her skin lesion developed during treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. Her symptoms were improved after discontinuation of antituberculous agents and on the administration of nicotinamide.

Keyword

Pellagra; Isoniazid; Pulmonary tuberculosis

MeSH Terms

Africa
China
Diet
Eating
Exanthema
Fluorouracil
Humans
India
Isoniazid*
Niacin
Niacinamide
Pellagra*
Skin
Tryptophan
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary*
Fluorouracil
Isoniazid
Niacin
Niacinamide
Tryptophan