Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome and renal toxicity with a nevirapine-containing regimen in a pregnant patient with human immunodeficiency virus.

Background: Antiretroviral therapy is associated with serious adverse events. We report the case of a pregnant human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected woman who developed drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome and renal failure shortly after initiation of a nevirapine-containing antiretroviral regimen at 27 weeks' gestation.

Case: A 26-year-old primigravida presented with a fever of 40.2C, urticarial rash, and icteric sclera 6 weeks after starting a nevirapine-containing antiretroviral regimen. Eosinophils, serum creatinine, bilirubin, and liver enzymes were markedly elevated, and abnormal coagulation studies were noted on admission. Serology testing was negative for viral hepatitis and microbiologic cultures were negative for growth. Abnormal laboratory findings at discharge resolved within 4 months after discontinuation of antiretroviral agents and systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Conclusion: Our case suggests the need for close monitoring of liver and renal function after initiation of nevirapine-containing antiretroviral regimens.