• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.180-182
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• 2004

A Case of Pellagra Induced by Isoniazid during Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Pellagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of nicotinic acid or niacin. It is mostly found among people eating corn-based diets in parts of China, Africa and India. It is also induced by drugs, such as isoniazid or 5-fluorouracil. Isoniazid inhibits the conversion of tryptophan to niacin and may induce pellagra, particularly in poorly nourished patients. Pellagra should be suspected whenever tuberculous patients under the treatment with isoniazid develop mental, neurological or gastrointestinal symptoms, even in the absence of typical skin changes. Herein, our experienced of a case of pellagra induced by isoniazid during treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis is reported. The patient was referred due to a skin rash and drowsy mental status. Her skin lesion developed during treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. Her symptoms were improved after discontinuation of antituberculous agents and on the administration of nicotinamide.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.227-231
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• 2000

Pellagra is a systemic disease associated with neuropathy, caused by dietary insufficiency of nicotinic acid and it's precursor, tryptophan, which are vital to the function of cellular dehydrogenases in tissue respiration. Clinical triads are dermatitis, dementia, and diarrhea. The authors experienced a case of pellagra in 5-year old girl. She had a history of acrodermatitis enteropathica, three years ago. Erythematous scaly patches and hyperpigmentation developed on her great toes, bilaterally. Diarriea and ataxic gait were also noted. After vitamin B complex with nicotinamide therapy, diarrhea and dermatitis were dramatically improved within a few days, and ataxic gait was gradually improved.