Clinical Features of Drug-induced Hepatotoxicity During Tuberculosis Treatment

Jeoung, Euh Jun; Nam, Su Youn; Park, Ran Young; Lee, Ji Hyun; Lee, Chang Soo; Lee, Kye Heui

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The hepatotoxicity is a well-known side effect of anti-tuberculosis drugs. We studied the contributory role of various risk factors (age, sex, alcohol abuse, HBV infection) on the hepatotoxicity occurred during anti-tuberculosis medication.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the incidence and clinical profiles of the liver dysfunction according to the presence of each risk factor in 323 patients who received anti-tuberculosis medication from April 1995 to May 2000.
RESULTS
The overall incidence of hepatotoxicity was 16.4%. None of the above risk factors were significantly associated with the development of hepatotoxicity according to the results of logistic regression analysis. Mean bilirubin level was 1.3+/-1.5 mg/dL, and it was significantly higher in male (p=0.02). Mean AST and ALT levels were 187.6+/-93.7 and 177.6+/-92.0 IU/L, respectively, which appeared to be higher in HBsAg-positive patients. In 83% of the patients, hepatotoxicity was developed within two months from the intitation of medication and in 88.7% of them, it lasted less than two months. The HBsAg-positive patients appeared to have more prolonged duration and latency period.
CONCLUSIONS
No significant risk factor is noted for the development of hepatotoxicity. The hepatotoxicity is usually developed within the first two months. The severity of hepatotoxicity is higher in man.