Malabsorption of antimycobacterial drugs as a cause of treatment failure in tuberculosis

BMJ Case Rep. 2010 Sep 29:2010:bcr1220092554. doi: 10.1136/bcr.12.2009.2554.

Abstract

Malabsorption of oral antimycobacterial drugs is a rare cause of treatment failure in tuberculosis (TB). Several predisposing comorbidities have been recognised. HIV infection is the most important risk factor referred in the literature. There are few reports about antimycobacterial drugs malabsorption, particularly in the absence of predisposing comorbidities. The authors present a clinical case of oral treatment failure in TB due to malabsorption; however, what caused the failure remained unclear. Possible causes of malabsorption are discussed under various sections. Purpose of this case report is to point to this rare situation that can easily go unnoticed unless a very high level of suspicion is present.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antitubercular Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / complications*
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Treatment Failure
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / diagnostic imaging
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents