Rare occurrence of polymyxin B-induced hyperpigmentation in a child with ventriculitis

Abstract

Polymyxin B (PB) is a polypeptide bactericidal antibiotic that is commonly used for extensively drug-resistant (XDR) microorganisms such asAcinetobacter baumaniiandKlebsiella pneumoniae. It can be administered intravenously or intrathecally. Common side effects are nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, pruritus and skin hyperpigmentation (SH). The latter is an uncommon adverse reaction of intravenously administered PB. We report a rare occurrence of PB-induced SH secondary to intrathecal administration of PB in a child withA. baumaniiXDR ventriculitis. We describe the management of him and a brief review of PB.