Orthotopic liver transplantation for subacute hepatic failure following partial treatment of isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis

Transpl Infect Dis. 2008 Jul;10(4):272-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2007.00277.x. Epub 2007 Sep 14.

Abstract

The management of patients with pre-existing tuberculosis (TB) undergoing liver transplantation is challenging. Cautious immunosuppression is required to prevent reactivation of disease, and second-line anti-tuberculous treatment may be necessary to prevent graft hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, liver transplantation in the context of isoniazid-resistant TB has seldom been reported. We report on a 44-year-old man with recent isoniazid-resistant extra-pulmonary TB who developed subacute hepatic failure requiring emergency liver transplantation and treatment with second-line anti-tuberculous therapy. We demonstrate that patients who have pre-existing TB can be successfully treated with alternative anti-tuberculous medication while under immunosuppression post transplantation. Pre-existing TB, including resistant strains, should not be an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antitubercular Agents / pharmacology
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial*
  • Humans
  • Isoniazid / adverse effects*
  • Isoniazid / pharmacology
  • Isoniazid / therapeutic use
  • Liver Failure, Acute / chemically induced
  • Liver Failure, Acute / surgery*
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / drug therapy*
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / microbiology

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Isoniazid