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| | CASE REPORT | | | | | Year : 1996 | Volume : 62 | Issue : 5 | Page : 306-307 | Gammabenzene hexachloride-induced convulsions in an HIV positive individual
V Panvelkar, KVR Chari
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Correspondence Address:
V Panvelkar
PMID: 20948097 A case report of chancroid with scabies with HIV positivity is being presented. The individual was treated with 1% gamma benzene hexachloride for scabies and developed convulsions.
Keywords: Gamma benzene hexachloride, Scabies, HIV positivity
How to cite this article:
Panvelkar V, Chari K. Gammabenzene hexachloride-induced convulsions in an HIV positive individual. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 1996;62:306-7 |
How to cite this URL:
Panvelkar V, Chari K. Gammabenzene hexachloride-induced convulsions in an HIV positive individual. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol [serial online] 1996 [cited 2014 Mar 7];62:306-7. Available from: http://www.ijdvl.com/text.asp?1996/62/5/306/4434 |
| Introduction | |  |
Chancroid and scabies are very commonly seen diseases in India in dermatological practice. Sexually transmitted diseases especially chancroid is known to be a major risk factor in acquisition of HIV infection.[1] Relationship between scabies and HIV infection is known and even eczematous and Norwegian type of scabies are reported along with HIV infection.[2]
Gamma benzene hexachloride (GBH) is one of the most commonly used ectoparasiticidal drugs. Neurotoxicity with this drug is known, mainly in infants and children. A case report of gamma benzene hexachloride induced neurotoxicity in HIV positive adult is being reported.
| Case Report | | |
A 37-year-old soldier was admitted with genital ulcers of about 3 weeks duration. Patient gave history of nocturnal pruritus of the whole body with history of his children also having similar complaints. Individual admitted to having unprotected sexual contact with a professional during transit about one week prior to the occurrence of genital ulcers.
Local examination showed multiple superficial ulcers in the coronal sulcus showing dirty yellow necrotic slough. The ulcers were soft and bleeding to touch. Right inguinal lymph nodes were enlarged tender and non-matted. Multiple excoriated papulovesicular lesions were present in the groins and in the web spaces. Systemic examination did not show any obnormality.
A clinical diagnosis of chancroid with scabies was made and his blood samples were taken for VDRL and HIV testing. His treatment was started with sulphonamides and 1% GBH for scabies.
However within 12 hours of application, he developed convulsions which had to be treated with IV diazepam. Patient did not give any history of convulsions in the past. He was subjected to a detailed neurological workup including CT scan which did not show any abnormality.
He was then treated with 25% benzyl benzoate emulsion with satisfactory clearing of the lesions. His blood results subsequently available showed VDRL negativity but HIV positivity with ELJSA, which was subsequently confirmed by Western. Blot testing. Individual is still under follow up for HIV infection without any medications and there has been no second episode of convulsions.
| Discussion | | |
GBH is known to be neurotoxic and produce convulsions in infants and children. Whether HIV infection predisposes the individuals to develop neurotoxicity or not has to be studied but similar cases of neurotoxicity with GBH have been reported.[3] It is also postulated that this occurs due to increased percutaneous absorption, HIV infection itself or due to drugs that reduce the seizure threshold.
| References | | |
| 1. | Editorial. Chancroid. Arch Dermatol 1989;125:1413-4.  | | 2. | Jucorics P, Ramon ME, Don PC, et al Norwegion scabies in an infant with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Arch Dermatol 1989;125:1670-1. | | 3. | Soloman BA, Haut SR, Carr EM, Shalite AR. Neurotoxic reactions to lindane in an HIV seropositive patient:an old medication's new problem. J Fam Pract 1995;40:291-6. |
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