didanosine and Vasculitis

There is firm evidence that several viruses can cause systemic vasculitis. Vasculitis induced by antiviral vaccines and drugs is less common and less well know. Most cases consist in de novo vasculitis that resolves spontaneously or under steroid therapy. Thus, the outcome is usually favorable. If an antiviral drug is the cause, it should not be used again in the patient. Another common sense measure is to refrain from immunizing patients with active vasculitis. A recent history of antiviral immunization or antiviral drug treatment should be sought routinely as part of the etiologic work-up of every patient with vasculitis.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Didanosine; Hepatitis B Vaccines; Humans; Interferons; Vasculitis; Viral Vaccines; Zidovudine