Frequent Varicella Zoster Reactivation Associated with Therapeutic Use of Arsenic Trioxide: Portents of an Old Scourge

Overview

Journal J Am Acad Dermatol

Specialty Dermatology

Date 2005 Oct 26

PMID 16243151

Citations 11

Authors

Wing-Yan Au

Yok-Lam Kwong

Affiliations

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Abstract

In 44 patients treated with arsenic trioxide (As2(O3)) for acute promyelocytic leukemia, 11 developed varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation (median 56 days [range 15-299]) after treatment. There was no preferential dermatome involvement or systemic spread. The actuarial risk of VZV reactivation at 1 year was 26%. No VZV reactivation occurred after the first year of initial treatment with As2(O3).

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