A peculiarly characterised case of isoniazid-induced pellagra- 2 Ds and a C: a case report

• DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.39.73.28072
• Publication Date: 2021-05-26T15:33:20Z
• Authors: Chishiba Kabengele; Hellen M’hango; Diana Mweemba; Malan Malumani
• Keywords: Pellagra; Niacin

Niacin or tryptophan deficiency causes pellagra. Isoniazid interferes with the absorption of niacin and individuals on (INH) are at risk preventive therapy (IPT) is administration isoniazid to immunosuppressed prevent active tuberculosis (TB). IPT, in sub-Saharan Africa, region worst hit by HIV a high TB prevalence, recommended. A 40-year-old, HIV+ Zambian woman Antiretroviral for five years IPT three months presented four-day history constipation, generalised body weakness irrelevant talk. She complained rash, sloughing off, darkening skin face, neck, forearms, dorsum both feet. physical examination revealed features pellagra, rapid response oral reaffirmed diagnosis Unlike typical cases pellagra presenting classic 3 Ds Diarrhoea, Dementia Dermatitis, our patient constipation instead diarrhoea. consideration Pellagra patients whose diet mostly maize-based will be beneficial, even if diarrhoea, dementia, dermatitis not wholly present. timely prompt treatment can lifesaving.