Rifampicin-associated intravascular haemolysis causing acute kidney injury

Natl Med J India. 2025 Mar-Apr;38(2):92-93. doi: 10.25259/NMJI_1479_2024.

Abstract

Drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is a rare adverse effect of rifampicin, and is mostly related to acute tubular necrosis and acute interstitial nephritis. We report a sputum- positive, isoniazid mono-resistant, pulmonary tuberculosis patient who had a history of anti-tuberculous therapy (ATT) intake 30 years ago. The patient developed AKI requiring dialysis when he restarted the ATT recently. A renal biopsy was consistent with pigment-cast nephropathy secondary to rifampicin-induced intravascular haemolysis. Rifampicin was stopped, and the patient underwent a total of four dialysis sessions and subsequently recovered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury* / chemically induced
  • Acute Kidney Injury* / therapy
  • Antitubercular Agents* / adverse effects
  • Hemolysis* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Rifampin* / adverse effects
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Rifampin