Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Seohyun Lee

1 Article

A Case of Neurotoxicity Induced by Valaciclovir in a Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patient.: Joon Seok Kim, Jee Eun Yang, Bo Young Lee, Seohyun Lee, Hee Jung Park, Sunpyo Lee, Sang Koo Lee; Yeungnam Univ J Med. 2012;29(2):121-124. Published online December 31, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2012.29.2.121

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Valaciclovir is metabolized to acyclovir after ingestion and thereafter exerts its antiviral activity. Because of its superior pharmacokinetic profile, it has quickly replaced acyclovir in the treatment of herpesvirus infection. Neurotoxicity caused by valaciclovir has been reported, however, among patients with pre-existing impaired renal function. This paper reports a case of neurotoxicity of valaciclovir in a patient with end-stage renal disease who was undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). A 67-year-old female on CAPD took 500 mg of valaciclovir twice for herpes zoster. After she took her second dose orally, she developed confusion and disorientation, along with involuntary movements. Her mental confusion progressed to a coma. Discontinuation of valaciclovir showed no rapid improvement. There- fore, hemodialysis was started. After two sessions of hemodialysis, the patient became alert; and after four sessions of hemodialysis, her neurological abnormalities were completely reversed. In conclusion, valaciclovir can induce life-threatening neurotoxicity, especially in CAPD patients, even with appropriate dose reduction, which can be effectively managed by hemodialysis.

Citations

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Comparison of Renal Function Indicators According to Hydration Volume in Patients Receiving Intravenous Acyclovir With CNS Infection
Sanghee Kim, Youngsoon Byun
Biological Research For Nursing.2015; 17(1): 55. CrossRef
Valacyclovir-Induced Neurotoxicity in a Maintenance Hemodialysis Patient
June Seong Hwang, Hyo Yoep Song, Hoon Gil Jo, Song I Lee, Byung Hun Lim, Jung Sub Song, Seon Ho Ahn
Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society.2014; 18(2): 85. CrossRef

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