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Leflunomide use in a cytomegalovirus infection of a patient with dermatomyositis

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Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised populations, such as those suffering from dermatomyositis (DM). We present here a case study of a DM patient undergoing methotrexate treatment who presents with weakness, myalgia, elevated levels of hepatic transaminases and serological markers of CMV primo-infection. The antiviral activity of leflunomide against CMV was described recently. The use of leflunomide as an immunomodulator may have contributed to the satisfactory evolution of the treatment for a symptomatic CMV infection in an immunocompromised patient, since the typical treatment outcome is more prolonged and with additional complications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Internal Medicine, Clínica San Camilo, Alfredo Bufano 2423, 1416, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Alberto O. Orden, Juan C. Chuluyan & Rubén F. Barbera

  2. Departments of Infectology, Clínica San Camilo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Ana C. Colombini

Authors
  1. Alberto O. Orden
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  2. Juan C. Chuluyan
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  3. Ana C. Colombini
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  4. Rubén F. Barbera
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Correspondence to Alberto O. Orden.

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Orden, A.O., Chuluyan, J.C., Colombini, A.C. et al. Leflunomide use in a cytomegalovirus infection of a patient with dermatomyositis. Rheumatol Int 32, 273–275 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-010-1786-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-010-1786-6

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