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- infections
- drugs: infectious diseases
- unwanted effects/adverse reactions
- drugs: respiratory system
- tuberculosis
In conjunction with BMJ Case Reports, DTB will feature occasional drug-relatedcases that are likely to be of interest to readers. Thesewill include cases that involve recently marketed drugs for which there is limited knowledge of adverse effects and cases that highlightunusual reactions to drugs that have been marketed for several years.
Summary
We present a case of a young Asian female with rheumatoid arthritis who received latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment prior to treatment with a biologic agent, and developed shock with resistant hypotension on re-exposure to rifampicin. We discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology and management of rifampicin induced shock, concluding that clinicians should be aware of this rare, but potential adverse effect, and be aware that adverse reactions to rifampicin are more frequent during re-exposure or longer dosing interval regimes. The evidence for desensitisation following such a reaction is lacking and this approach is not currently recommended. We would suggest close collaboration between specialties prescribing immunosuppression and the tuberculosis team when LTBI treatment is required after a reaction, with patient involvement to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment options.
Background
Rifampicin induced shock is extremely uncommon with few cases in the literature. It is usually described following intermittent doses or re-exposure. It is an important complication that physicians should be aware of when prescribing anti-tuberculosis (TB) medications, or working in healthcare centres where those receiving treatment might present.
Case presentation
A 25-year-old Asian female with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis who had failed trials of methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine (stopped due to chest pain and shortness of breath) and sulfasalazine (stopped due to rash), and in whom a trial of the anti-tumour necrosis factor drug etanercept was being considered, was referred for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening in keeping with current guidelines.1 She had no significant medical history and a family history significant only …
Footnotes
Contributors CFH: performed the literature review and wrote the article drafts for review by senior clinicians. OMK: senior clinician in the case, identified the subject as a good case report, reviewed the article and made changes. LM: consultant respiratory physician, followed up the patient in clinic and provided valuable input for the finished article. JM: reviewed the article on multiple drafts and made changes. TH: reviewed the article and made changes, liaised with patient.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.