Hydralazine? Essential or Has a Potential for Complications in Dermatology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hydralazine is a drug which is vasodilator, it lowers blood pressure and allows blood to flow more easily in veins and arteries. Hydralazine is used to treat hypertension. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective study is to determine role of-Hydralazine in dermatological complications. METHODS: In this descriptive, prospective, observational, cross sectional study, all patients who presented to the department of dermatology during this study period of 12 months from January 2010-December 2010 in. were included. RESULTS: Total number of males in the present study was 19(74%), females in the study was 6(26%). Mean age was 55.28±15.74 (SD) years, number of patients in the age group 31-40 years was 3(12%), 41-50 years was 5(20%), 51-60 years was 7(28%), number of patients in 61-70 years was 4(16%), number of patients in the age group 71-80 years was 4(16%), number of patients in the age group 71-80 years was 2(8%). Maximum number of patients was in their middle age between 41-60 years. Flushing was seen in 8(32%) patients, Urticarial rashes were seen in 10(40%) patients, Lupus-like syndrome was seen in 5(20%) patients, Hypersensitivity reactions was seen in 5(20%) patients, ANA-positivity was seen in 5(20%) patients, out of all the dermatological manifestations Urticarial rashes were seen in maximum number of patients i.e., in 10(40%) patients. Lupus-like syndrome was seen in 5(20%) patients all of whom belonged to the age group 31-60 years. Flushing was seen in 6 (31.57%) patients in males, Urticarial rashes were seen in 8(42.10%) male, lupus like syndrome was seen in 5(26.31%) males, hypersensitivity was seen in 4(21.05%) males and ANA positivity was seen in 5(26.31%) males. Flushing was seen in 2(33.33%) patients in females, Urticarial rashes were seen in 2(33.33%) females, hypersensitivity was seen in 1(16.66%) females and ANA positivity & lupus like syndrome was not seen in females. P value of all symptoms being insignificant. CONCLUSION: There is significant percentage of patients who report with dermatological manifestations with hydralazine in first 6months after initiation as an add on drug.