Zidovudine-induced nail pigmentation in a 12-year-old boy

Abstract

Zidovudine is an important component of first-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens used to manage pediatric HIV. Nail pigmentation with zidovudine is a well-documented occurrence in adults, especially dark-skinned individuals. But it has so far not been reported in children. Here, we report a pediatric case of zidovudine-induced nail pigmentation. A 12-year-old boy receiving ART with zidovudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine presented to dermatology OPD with complaint of diffuse bluish-brown discoloration of all fingernails. The pigmentation was noticed by the patient after 3 months of initiating zidovudine-based regimen. It first appeared in thumb nails, gradually involved all fingernails, and increased in intensity over time. Though harmless and reversible, psychological aspects of this noticeable side effect may hamper adherence to therapy and may lead to unnecessary investigations and treatment for misdiagnosis such as cyanosis or melanoma.

Keywords: HIV; nail pigmentation; zidovudine.

Figure 1

(a) Pigmentation involving all nails (December 2011); (b) thumbnail involvement (December 2011); (c) increased pigmentation in all nails (March 2012); (d) increased pigmentation in thumbnails (March 2012)