[Rhabdomyolysis induced by pentamidine (Pentacarinat) during treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: 2 cases]

Abstract

Introduction: We report 2 patients who developed pentamidine-induced rhabdomyolysis during treatment of leishmaniasis. This potentially harmful side effect of pentamidine has only been reported exceptionally until now.

Case reports: In January 2001, we treated 2 patients, aged 31 and 38 years, with 600 mg pentamidine administered intramuscularly twice in 48 hours. The two patients developed rhabdomyolysis with elevated CPK (respectively 30-70-x normal) and myoglobinemia (respectively 20-28-x normal) levels. Outcome was good under hyperhydratation and alkaline diuresis.

Discussion: This underestimated side effect of pentamidine treatment is not mentioned in recent articles on the topic. In case of such treatment however, these biological parameters should be monitored in order to establish the real frequency of this side-effect.