Pellagra secondary to 5-fluorouracil.

Stevens, H P; Ostlere, L S; Begent, R H; Dooley, J S; Rustin, M H · Br J Dermatol · 1993

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

The development of pellagra in a patient treated with 5-fluorouracil for malignant disease is reported. The aetiology of pellagra in this patient is discussed, and the reasons for possible under-diagnosis of pellagra in association with malignant disease considered. We report a patient who presented with the typical skin changes of pellagra. The rash, and an associated acute deterioration in cerebral function, were exacerbated by treatment with 5-fluorouracil. The importance of considering nicotinic-acid deficiency in patients with malignant disease has not been emphasized in the literature.

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