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Published in: BMC Neurology 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Case report

Recurrent Nicolau syndrome associated with subcutaneous glatiramer acetate injection—a case report

Authors: Chiara Zecca, Carlo Mainetti, Roland Blum, Claudio Gobbi

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Glatiramer acetate is worldwide used as first line treatment in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Local skin reactions associated with glatiramer acetate are common, however, only isolated cases of severe local injection site reactions known as Nicolau Syndrome have been reported so far.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a recurrent Nicolau Syndrome occurred during longstanding glatiramer acetate treatment in a woman with multiple sclerosis. The haemorrhagic patch necrotized and was treated locally as a deep second degree burn with excision of dead skin tissue and was healed. Treatment with glatiramer acetate was definitely suspended.

Conclusions

GA injections can be complicated by isolated or recurrent Nicolau Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition of which neurologists should be aware.
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Metadata
Title
Recurrent Nicolau syndrome associated with subcutaneous glatiramer acetate injection—a case report
Authors
Chiara Zecca
Carlo Mainetti
Roland Blum
Claudio Gobbi
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-015-0504-0

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