Riboflavin for Antiretroviral Side Effects

Clinical Study Title:
Riboflavin treatment of antiretroviral induced lactic acidosis and hepatic steatosis.

Plain English Summary:

The use of antiretrovirals has been linked to having side effects such as lactic acidosis as well as hepatic steataosis. This study looked at the use of vitamin B2 to treat these side effects. This was a case study of a person taking a certain class of antiretrovirals who had been admitted to the hospital. This patient developed respiratory failure while in the hospital. The patient was then given a daily dose of vitamin B2. The patient's lactic acidosis was successfully reversed by the use of the vitamin B2 supplements. The use of these antiretrovirals can be dangerous and need to be monitored carefully. If treated early enough, vitamin B2 is an effective treatment for the lactic acidosis that can occur while using antiretrovirals.

Authors:
Posteraro AF 3rd. Mauriello M. Winter SM.

Institution:
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

Country of Publication:
United States

Source:
Connecticut Medicine. 65(7):387-90, 2001 Jul.