IFOSFAMIDE-INDUCED HYPERPIGMENTATION

Background. Pigmented banding of the nails and hyperpigmentation of hands and feet may occur during cyclophosphamide therapy. Ifosfamide, an analogue of cyclophosphamide, might be expected to cause similar pigmentary changes, but, to the knowledge of the authors, there are no reports of this. Methods. The authors describe skin pigment changes in a 5-year-old patient receiving ifosfamide, MESNA, and etoposide for the treatment of relapsed Wilms tumor. Results. A review of the literature concerning cyclophosphamide-induced pigmentary changes is presented, along with a discussion of the possible correlation of renal dysfunction with pigmentary changes. Conclusions. This case should alert health care providers to this uncommon adverse effect of ifosfamide.