Weight loss during tuberculosis treatment is an important risk factor for drug-induced hepatotoxicity

Br J Nutr. 2011 Feb;105(3):400-8. doi: 10.1017/S0007114510003636. Epub 2010 Sep 28.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the association between weight loss and drug-induced hepatotoxicity (DIH). A retrospective observational study of 192 active tuberculosis (TB) patients consecutively admitted in a tertiary referral TB centre in the Netherlands was conducted. The outcome measure for DIH was defined as hepatotoxicity necessitating interruption of anti-TB drugs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis on interruption of anti-TB drugs was performed, with age, sex, nutritional status, TB disease severity, drug resistance, comorbidity including baseline liver function tests, anti-TB drug regimen, co-medication and addictions as independent risk factors. Anti-TB drugs were interrupted in thirty-one patients (16·1%). The most important risk factor was weight loss of 2 kg or more within 4 weeks during TB treatment (OR 211, 95% CI 36·0, 1232). Other independent risk factors were infection with hepatitis C (OR 19·6, 95% CI 2·4, 164), age over 60 years (OR 18·5, 95% CI 2·3, 151) and multi-drug-resistant TB (OR 8·2, 95% CI 1·3, 53·6). This study shows that weight loss during TB treatment was the most important risk factor for DIH necessitating interruption of anti-TB drugs. Causes of weight loss during TB treatment and the association between weight change and hepatotoxicity need further investigation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Antitubercular Agents / adverse effects*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis C / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy*
  • Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant
  • Weight Loss / physiology*

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents