Lakshminarayana G.R Department of Nephrology, EMS Memorial Cooperative Hospital and Research Centre, Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala, India
Sahiba E Ummer Department of Nephrology, EMS Memorial Cooperative Hospital and Research Centre, Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala, India
Address for correspondence: Lakshminarayana G.R, Department of Nephrology, EMS Memorial Cooperative Hospital and Research Centre, Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala, India E-mail: drlng23@gmail.com
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Lakshminarayana GR, Ummer SE. Skin and Nail Hyperpigmentation (Melanonychia) Due to Cyclophosphamide in Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome (SDNS): A Rare Association. Uro Nephro Andro Int. 2025;10(2):61-3.
Timeline
Received : November 19, 2025
Accepted : December 20, 2025
Published : December 30, 2025
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is one of the most commonly used second-line
drugs in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome, particularly in patients who are
steroid-dependent or have frequent relapses. CYC may rarely cause skin or nail
hyperpigmentation (melanonychia), in addition to its well-known adverse effects
such as immunosuppression, cytopenias, or hemorrhagic cystitis. We present a
patient with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) who developed
blackish-brown discoloration of nails and periungual skin folds during therapy.
References
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Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest in this work.
About this article
Cite this article
Lakshminarayana GR, Ummer SE. Skin and Nail Hyperpigmentation (Melanonychia) Due to Cyclophosphamide in Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome (SDNS): A Rare Association. Uro Nephro Andro Int. 2025;10(2):61-3.
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Hyperpigmentation affecting fingernails (melanonychia/black chromonychia) and periungual folds. The thumbs are most prominently involved compared to other digits.
Description: No description available.
Resolving melanonychia/black chromonychia after discontinuation of cyclophosphamide. Regression begins proximally at the lunula and progresses distally with nail growth (arrow).