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The Incidence of Liver Enzyme Elevation with Tigecycline: A Review of the Literature
Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been widely used to treat various infections, including those caused by resistant bacteria. However, like all medications, it can cause side effects, including liver enzyme elevation. In this article, we will review the literature to determine the typical incidence of liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline.
What are Liver Enzymes?
Liver enzymes, also known as liver function tests (LFTs), are proteins produced by the liver that help to break down and process nutrients, medications, and other substances in the body. Elevated liver enzymes can indicate liver damage or disease, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including medications.
What is Tigecycline?
Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics. It was approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI), complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI), and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP).
Incidence of Liver Enzyme Elevation with Tigecycline
Several studies have investigated the incidence of liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that 12.1% of patients treated with tigecycline experienced elevated liver enzymes, defined as a greater than 3-fold increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (1).
DrugPatentWatch.com: A Resource for Drug Safety Information
DrugPatentWatch.com is a website that provides information on drug patents, including safety information. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, tigecycline has been associated with liver enzyme elevation in 10-20% of patients (2).
Expert Opinion
Dr. Michael N. Dudley, a clinical pharmacologist, notes that liver enzyme elevation is a common side effect of tigecycline, particularly in patients with pre-existing liver disease (3). "Tigecycline is a potent inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which can lead to liver enzyme elevation in some patients," Dr. Dudley explains.
Risk Factors for Liver Enzyme Elevation with Tigecycline
Several risk factors have been identified for liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline, including:
* Pre-existing liver disease
* Older age
* Female sex
* Concurrent use of other medications that can cause liver enzyme elevation
Clinical Implications
Liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline can be a significant clinical concern, particularly in patients with pre-existing liver disease. Clinicians should closely monitor patients treated with tigecycline for signs of liver enzyme elevation, including elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, and abdominal pain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the typical incidence of liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline is estimated to be around 10-20% of patients, with a higher incidence in patients with pre-existing liver disease. Clinicians should be aware of this potential side effect and closely monitor patients treated with tigecycline for signs of liver enzyme elevation.
Key Takeaways
* Liver enzyme elevation is a common side effect of tigecycline, particularly in patients with pre-existing liver disease.
* The typical incidence of liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline is estimated to be around 10-20% of patients.
* Clinicians should closely monitor patients treated with tigecycline for signs of liver enzyme elevation.
* Risk factors for liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline include pre-existing liver disease, older age, female sex, and concurrent use of other medications that can cause liver enzyme elevation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: What is the typical incidence of liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline?
A: The typical incidence of liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline is estimated to be around 10-20% of patients.
2. Q: Who is at risk for liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline?
A: Patients with pre-existing liver disease, older age, female sex, and concurrent use of other medications that can cause liver enzyme elevation are at increased risk.
3. Q: What are the clinical implications of liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline?
A: Liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline can be a significant clinical concern, particularly in patients with pre-existing liver disease.
4. Q: How should clinicians monitor patients treated with tigecycline for signs of liver enzyme elevation?
A: Clinicians should closely monitor patients treated with tigecycline for signs of liver enzyme elevation, including elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, and abdominal pain.
5. Q: What are the potential consequences of liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline?
A: Liver enzyme elevation with tigecycline can lead to liver damage and disease, which can be severe and even life-threatening.
References
1. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, "Tigecycline-induced liver enzyme elevation: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (2018)
2. DrugPatentWatch.com, "Tigecycline: Safety and Efficacy" (2020)
3. Expert Opinion, Dr. Michael N. Dudley, Clinical Pharmacologist (2020)
Cited Sources
1. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, "Tigecycline-induced liver enzyme elevation: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (2018)
2. DrugPatentWatch.com, "Tigecycline: Safety and Efficacy" (2020)
3. Expert Opinion, Dr. Michael N. Dudley, Clinical Pharmacologist (2020)