Renal and vestibular toxicity due to inhaled tobramycin in a lung transplant recipient

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2005 Jul;24(7):932-5. doi: 10.1016/j.healun.2004.05.008.

Abstract

Chronic rejection is the major hurdle to long-term survival after lung transplantation. Endobronchial infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is common in patients with chronic rejection and this may further contribute to deterioration of the allograft. Inhaled tobramycin is commonly used to treat P aeruginosa airways infection in patients with cystic fibrosis. The safety of inhaled tobramycin in transplant recipients, however, has not been established. We describe the first report of a lung transplant recipient who developed renal failure and vestibular injury after receiving inhaled tobramycin. We review the literature regarding the safety of inhaled tobramycin and discuss potential mechanisms that may promote systemic toxicity in transplant recipients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pseudomonas Infections / drug therapy*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / prevention & control*
  • Renal Insufficiency / chemically induced*
  • Renal Insufficiency / physiopathology
  • Tobramycin / administration & dosage
  • Tobramycin / adverse effects*
  • Vestibular Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Vestibular Diseases / physiopathology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Tobramycin