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Acute pancreatitis associated with pentamidine therapy
Archives of Internal Medicine
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Pentamidine isethionate, used for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, may cause acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis recurred in one patient upon retreatment with pentamidine, highlighting potential drug toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pentamidine isethionate is a crucial antimicrobial agent for treating Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP).
- Understanding drug-induced toxicity is essential for patient safety and effective treatment protocols.
Observation:
- Two patients undergoing pentamidine isethionate treatment for PCP developed acute pancreatitis.
- The onset of pancreatitis was temporally associated with the administration of pentamidine isethionate therapy.
Findings:
- A causal link between pentamidine isethionate and acute pancreatitis is suggested by the temporal relationship.
- Recurrence of pancreatitis upon a second course of pentamidine in one patient strongly supports pentamidine-induced toxicity.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider acute pancreatitis as a potential adverse effect of pentamidine isethionate.
- Monitoring for pancreatitis symptoms in patients receiving pentamidine is recommended.
- This finding necessitates further investigation into the mechanisms of pentamidine-induced pancreatitis.