Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole-induced Hepatotoxicity in a Renal Transplant Patient

R Slim1, N Asmar1, C Yaghi1

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.

Insights

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) from antimicrobials is a concern. This case highlights rare hepatic toxicity from Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) post-renal transplant, emphasizing its unpredictable nature.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pharmacology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant clinical issue, with antimicrobials being frequent culprits.
  • Renal transplantation patients are often on multiple medications, increasing the risk of DILI.

Observation:

  • A case of DILI is presented in a renal transplant recipient.
  • The patient developed liver injury attributed to Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) therapy.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis of TMP-SMX-induced liver toxicity was confirmed by excluding other causes and observing biochemical improvement upon drug withdrawal.
  • While TMP-SMX hepatotoxicity is documented, its occurrence in this context is rare and unpredictable.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for DILI in transplant patients receiving TMP-SMX.
  • Awareness of rare but severe drug reactions is crucial for optimizing patient management and outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure01:26

Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure

Preoperative ManagementThe primary goals of preoperative management in kidney transplantation are to optimize the patient’s metabolic state and prepare them for surgery through diet adjustments, necessary dialysis, and tailored medical treatment. This phase also involves comprehensive infection screening and patient education about the surgical procedure and postoperative care to improve outcomes and adherence.Medical ManagementA comprehensive evaluation is required for both the living...
477
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction01:28

Kidney Transplant I: Introduction

A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
533
Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase01:27

Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase

Phase II biotransformation reactions are essential for detoxifying and eliminating xenobiotics, including many pharmaceutical compounds. These reactions typically involve conjugation, the covalent attachment of polar endogenous groups such as glucuronic acid, sulfate, methyl, or acetyl moieties to functional groups introduced during Phase I metabolism. The resulting conjugates are more water-soluble, enabling efficient renal or biliary excretion.The major classes of Phase II enzymes include...
12
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management01:16

Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management

Postoperative Nursing Management for Kidney Transplant PatientsPostoperative nursing management care includes monitoring the surgical site, encouraging early movement, and promoting lung health through breathing exercises. Nurses also administer prescribed medications like H2-blockers, such as famotidine, or proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole, to help prevent gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Fungal infections in the mouth and bladder can result from immunosuppressive and antibiotic...
418
Phase II Reactions: Glutathione Conjugation and Mercapturic Acid Formation01:22

Phase II Reactions: Glutathione Conjugation and Mercapturic Acid Formation

Glutathione, a tripeptide made up of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, is a critical player in the detoxification of drugs and xenobiotics via a process known as glutathione conjugation or mercapturic acid formation. This phase II biotransformation reaction involves the covalent binding of glutathione to a drug or its metabolite, enhancing the compound's water solubility and enabling its excretion.
Several distinctive characteristics distinguish glutathione conjugation from other phase II...
1.0K
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments01:11

Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments

In patients with renal impairment, drugs undergo significant changes in their pharmacokinetics, which require dosage adjustments to ensure safe and effective therapy.
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
505