Multiforme skin lesions in Yekatit 12 Hospital, 1976-1994

Because the number of cases of multiforme skin lesions encountered in the m edical department of. Yekatit 12 Hospital has increased in recent years, we conducted a retrospective study to identify the likely precipitating facto rs and the possible relationship of these with HIV infection. Forty-seven p atients with Multiforme Skin Lesions (29 males, 18 females) were admitted b etween 1976 and January 1994, of whom 43 (92%) were admitted in the past 5 years. Most patients were aged 15-49 years. Thirty patients (64%) were disc harged improved and 14 (30%) expired in hospital. The outcome of 3 patients are not known. The charts of only 16 patients could be retrieved for revie w. Fifteen of these (94%) gave a history of intake of streptomycin, isoniaz ed and thiacetazone prior to developing the skin manifestation. The anti-TB medications were discontinued initially; 14 patients were restarted on STM , INH and ethambutol without recurrence of the rash. All but I were dischar ged improved HIV screening tests were done on 24 patients with multiforme s kirt lesion of whom 21 (88%) were seropositive. Our study suggested that th e adverse effects of thiacetazone are increased in HIV associated tuberculo us patients. We recommend that further studies be conducted in HIV seroposi tive and seronegative patients.