Antiretroviral Prophylaxis: A Digestive Complication to Know

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2021 Dec 1;37(12):e1745-e1746. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000001952.

Abstract

An 8-year-old child experienced abdominal pain and melena due to duodenal and ileal ulcerations throughout antiretroviral prophylactic treatment after a needlestick injury. Mild to moderate adverse effects often occur with lamivudine and zidovudine, but more severe adverse effects such as intestinal ulcers resulting in melena after a prophylactic antiretroviral treatment may question the safety of the current guidelines.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents* / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Lamivudine / therapeutic use
  • Zidovudine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Lamivudine
  • Zidovudine