Procainamide-Induced Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

THERE have been several reports of "allergy" or "reactions" to procainamide hydrochloride in which fever,1 , 2 chills,3 malaise, headache,4 skin rashes,5 muscle pains, arthralgias,6 generalized lymphadenopathy, leukopenia7 and eosinophilia are described, each appearing either singly or in various combinations as manifestations of the drug sensitivity. According to these reports, all the symptoms or signs of "reaction to procainamide" listed above subsided quite rapidly after the medication was withdrawn. I have been unable to uncover evidence of polyserositis, arteritis or proteinuria or the occurrence of a positive lupus-cell preparation in any of the aforementioned reports. The following case supports the thesis that . . .