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Rhabdomyolysis Following Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Therapy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Mahjoubi Yasmine Salem1, Zgolli Fatma2, Dahmani Israa2
1Department of Collection and Analysis of Adverse Reactions, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, National Center Chalbi Belkahia of Pharmacovigilance, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
Background:
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is a commonly used antibiotic for the treatment of several infections, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and in certain cases, septic arthritis. Rhabdomyolysis (RM) is very rare and less than 20 cases have been reported, so far, in the literature, in particular in immunocompromised patients. Here, we report a case of TMP-SMX-induced RM in an immunocompetent patient, adding to the limited data on this association.
Case Presentation:
A 53-year-old male patient with no prior medical history presented with septic arthritis and was initiated on TMP-SMX therapy. Within days, he developed muscle pain and weakness with laboratory tests revealing markedly elevated Creatine Kinase (CK) levels, consistent with rhabdomyolysis. Following the discontinuation of TMP-SMX, the patient's CK levels gradually decreased, and his symptoms resolved without further intervention.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge, this is the sixth reported case of TMP-SMX-associated rhabdomyolysis in an immunocompetent patient. This case highlights the need for clinicians to consider the potential for rhabdomyolysis in patients receiving TMP-SMX, regardless of their immune status, and to recognize that prompt withdrawal of the drug is critical for patient recovery.
Insights
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) can cause rhabdomyolysis (RM), a rare muscle-damaging condition. This case highlights TMP-SMX-induced RM in an immunocompetent patient, emphasizing the need for clinical awareness and prompt drug withdrawal for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is a widely prescribed antibiotic for various infections.
- Rhabdomyolysis (RM) is a rare adverse effect, with few documented cases, primarily in immunocompromised individuals.
- This report focuses on TMP-SMX-induced RM in an immunocompetent patient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of TMP-SMX-induced rhabdomyolysis in an immunocompetent individual.
- To contribute to the limited literature on this specific drug-adverse event association.
- To underscore the importance of recognizing this potential side effect across all patient populations.
Main Methods:
- A case presentation of a 53-year-old male with septic arthritis treated with TMP-SMX.
- Monitoring of clinical symptoms (muscle pain, weakness) and laboratory markers (Creatine Kinase levels).
- Observation of patient recovery following TMP-SMX discontinuation.
Main Results:
- The patient developed symptoms and elevated Creatine Kinase levels indicative of rhabdomyolysis shortly after initiating TMP-SMX.
- Discontinuation of TMP-SMX led to a gradual decrease in Creatine Kinase levels and resolution of symptoms.
- This represents the sixth reported instance of TMP-SMX-associated rhabdomyolysis in an immunocompetent patient.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians should consider rhabdomyolysis as a potential adverse effect of TMP-SMX, irrespective of the patient's immune status.
- Early recognition and prompt cessation of TMP-SMX are crucial for successful patient outcomes.
- This case adds valuable data to the understanding of TMP-SMX-induced rhabdomyolysis.
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