Title:Deep Venous Thrombosis Associated with Thalidomide use in a Case of Steroid Dependent Erythema Nodosum Leprosum-a Management Conundrum
Volume: 12
Issue: 2
Author(s): Upinder Kaur, Sankha Shubhra Chakrabarti, Rohit Singh and Indrajeet Singh Gambhir*
Affiliation:
- Department of General Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi- 221005, UP,India
Keywords:
Hansen's disease, ENL, DVT, thalidomide, pharmacovigilance, azathioprine.
Abstract: Introduction: Thalidomide, previously banned owing to the issues of teratogenicity is being
used and tested for a variety of dermatological and non dermatological conditions. The drug has been
approved for the management of erythema nodosum leprosum [ENL] and multiple myeloma [MM].
The drug is commonly known to produce adverse effects like peripheral neuropathy and constipation.
Deep vein thrombosis [DVT] is one of the serious adverse effects seen with thalidomide use, especially
in malignancies and is relatively uncommon in non cancer settings like ENL.
Method: Here we report a case of DVT occurring after 8 months of use of thalidomide in a young
patient of 22 years age suffering from ENL.
Result: The case highlights the problems faced in the management of refractory ENL and the treatment
of DVT in the setting of multiple drug interactions and financial constraints.
Conclusion: New guidelines are required regarding the prophylaxis and management of DVT
associated with thalidomide use in non-malignant conditions.
