Tolerance-induction protocol in HIV-infected patients with drug hypersensitivity

HIV-infected patients are at greater risk for drug hypersensitivity than non-HIV-infected patients. Sulfonamides and anti-retroviral drugs are most often the responsible agents. We detail in this paper our 5-year experience with this problem. Ninety-three HIV-positive patients with a clear history of hypersensitivity to cotrimoxazole, nevirapine, nelfinavir or efavirenz were included in a tolerance-induction protocol. The clinical manifestations were as follows: 68 patients had had pruriginous maculo-papular eruptions including 17 with fever and 12 with other symptoms (conjunctivitis, asthenia, digestive symptoms, etc). Fourteen patients presented with urticaria, with fever in 4 of them. Twelve doses of the responsible drug, prepared the day of the challenge, were given orally at 30-minute intervals. We were successful in 90% of the cases. Therefore, tolerance induction may be an alternative for such patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]