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Published on: October 1, 2015
Gatifloxacin-associated acute hepatitis
1College of Pharmacy University of Louisiana at Monroe, and St. Francis Medical Center, 71209, USA.
Abstract:
Gatifloxacin, a fluoroquinolone with extended gram-positive activity, has become extensively used in both the community and hospital environments. Unfortunately, concerns have been raised about the use of certain fluoroquinolones because of adverse drug reactions. A 44-year-old woman developed acute hepatitis while receiving gatifloxacin for chronic sinusitis. After 5 days of receiving antibiotics, the patient developed nausea, lethargy, and abdominal pain, all of which progressed over the next few days. Liver function tests were elevated, with bilirubin peaking at 9.4 mg/dl. The patient also became jaundiced. A percutaneous liver biopsy showed acute hepatitis with eosinophilic infiltrates consistent with drug-induced hepatitis. All other drugs and disease processes were ruled out as likely causes of the patient's hepatitis. Clinicians should be alerted to the possibility that hepatitis may occur with gatifloxacin administration.
Insights
Gatifloxacin, an antibiotic, can cause acute hepatitis, a serious liver inflammation. This case highlights the importance of monitoring liver function in patients taking this fluoroquinolone medication.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Gatifloxacin is a widely used fluoroquinolone antibiotic with broad-spectrum activity.
- Concerns exist regarding adverse drug reactions associated with fluoroquinolone use.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old female patient presented with symptoms of nausea, lethargy, and abdominal pain after 5 days of gatifloxacin treatment for chronic sinusitis.
- Clinical presentation included elevated liver function tests and jaundice, with bilirubin peaking at 9.4 mg/dl.
Findings:
- Percutaneous liver biopsy revealed acute hepatitis with eosinophilic infiltrates, strongly suggesting drug-induced hepatitis.
- Other potential causes for hepatitis, including alternative medications and disease processes, were systematically excluded.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential hepatotoxicity of gatifloxacin.
- Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for gatifloxacin-induced hepatitis and monitor liver function in patients receiving this antibiotic.
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