Dermatologic complications associated with administration of 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

A distinctive mucocutaneous eruption occurred in 14 of 20 patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection while they were being treated with a new therapeutic agent, 2'3'-dideoxycytidine, and resolved even with continuation of therapy.

Abstract

We describe a distinctive mucocutaneous eruption that occurred in 14 of 20 (70%) patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection while they were being treated with a new therapeutic agent, 2'3'-dideoxycytidine. A maculopapular eruption developed in these patients on day 10 or 11 of treatment. Seven of 14 patients, especially those receiving higher-dose therapy, also had systemic symptoms. In addition, oral ulcers developed in 9 of 14 patients on days 4 to 6 of therapy. The occurrence of the cutaneous and oral lesions correlated with dose, route, and schedule of administration of 2'3'-dideoxycytidine. In most instances the mucocutaneous lesions resolved even with continuation of therapy.