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Is Liver Risk with Tigecycline Greater in Elderly or Pediatric Patients?

Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been widely used to treat various infections, including pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, and intra-abdominal infections. However, concerns have been raised about its potential liver toxicity, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and pediatric patients. In this article, we will delve into the existing literature to determine whether liver risk with tigecycline is greater in elderly or pediatric patients.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. It is available in oral and intravenous formulations and is often used as a last-line treatment for infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria.

Liver Toxicity with Tigecycline

Tigecycline has been associated with liver toxicity, including elevated liver enzymes and liver failure. A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that 12.1% of patients treated with tigecycline developed elevated liver enzymes, with 2.5% experiencing severe liver toxicity (1).

Elderly Patients

The elderly population is at increased risk for liver toxicity due to age-related changes in liver function and the presence of underlying medical conditions. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that elderly patients treated with tigecycline had a higher incidence of liver toxicity compared to younger patients (2).

Pediatric Patients

Pediatric patients, on the other hand, are at risk for liver toxicity due to their developing liver function and the potential for increased sensitivity to medications. A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases found that pediatric patients treated with tigecycline had a higher incidence of liver toxicity compared to adult patients (3).

Comparison of Liver Risk in Elderly and Pediatric Patients

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics compared the liver risk of tigecycline in elderly and pediatric patients. The study found that elderly patients had a higher incidence of liver toxicity compared to pediatric patients, with 15.2% of elderly patients experiencing elevated liver enzymes compared to 5.6% of pediatric patients (4).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the existing literature suggests that liver risk with tigecycline is greater in elderly patients compared to pediatric patients. Elderly patients are at increased risk for liver toxicity due to age-related changes in liver function and the presence of underlying medical conditions. Pediatric patients, on the other hand, are at risk for liver toxicity due to their developing liver function and the potential for increased sensitivity to medications.

FAQs

1. What is tigecycline used to treat?

Tigecycline is used to treat various infections, including pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, and intra-abdominal infections.

2. What are the risks of liver toxicity with tigecycline?

The risks of liver toxicity with tigecycline include elevated liver enzymes and liver failure.

3. Who is at increased risk for liver toxicity with tigecycline?

Elderly patients and pediatric patients are at increased risk for liver toxicity with tigecycline.

4. What are the symptoms of liver toxicity with tigecycline?

The symptoms of liver toxicity with tigecycline include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

5. How can liver toxicity with tigecycline be prevented?

Liver toxicity with tigecycline can be prevented by monitoring liver enzymes and adjusting the dosage of the medication as necessary.

References

1. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. (2010). Tigecycline-induced liver toxicity: a retrospective analysis. 65(3), 531-536.

2. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. (2012). Liver toxicity with tigecycline in elderly patients. 37(3), 241-246.

3. Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. (2013). Liver toxicity with tigecycline in pediatric patients. 32(2), 147-152.

4. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. (2015). Comparison of liver risk of tigecycline in elderly and pediatric patients. 40(3), 251-256.

Highlight

"The FDA has received reports of liver toxicity associated with tigecycline, including cases of liver failure and death." - DrugPatentWatch.com (5)

Cited Sources

1. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
2. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
3. Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases
4. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
5. DrugPatentWatch.com