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Tigecycline-Induced Liver Injury: Which Age Groups are at Higher Risk?

Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been widely used to treat various infections, including those caused by resistant bacteria. However, like many medications, it can cause adverse effects, including liver injury. In this article, we will explore which age groups are at higher risk of developing tigecycline-induced liver injury.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. It is commonly used to treat infections such as skin and soft tissue infections, intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired pneumonia.

Liver Injury: A Potential Adverse Effect

Liver injury is a known adverse effect of tigecycline, and it can occur in patients of all ages. However, certain age groups may be at higher risk of developing this complication.

Age Groups at Higher Risk

Several studies have investigated the relationship between age and the risk of tigecycline-induced liver injury. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that patients aged 65 years or older were at higher risk of developing liver injury compared to younger patients. The study analyzed data from 1,116 patients who received tigecycline and found that 2.4% of patients aged 65 or older developed liver injury, compared to 0.8% of patients under the age of 65. (1)

Another study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that patients with a history of liver disease or those taking medications that can cause liver damage were also at higher risk of developing liver injury. The study analyzed data from 2,016 patients who received tigecycline and found that patients with a history of liver disease were 2.5 times more likely to develop liver injury compared to patients without a history of liver disease. (2)

Mechanisms of Liver Injury

The exact mechanisms of tigecycline-induced liver injury are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development. One possible mechanism is the inhibition of protein synthesis in the liver, which can lead to liver damage. Another possible mechanism is the activation of inflammatory pathways, which can cause liver injury. (3)

Prevention and Management

Prevention and management of tigecycline-induced liver injury are crucial to minimize its severity and prevent long-term complications. Patients who are at higher risk of developing liver injury should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of liver damage, such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. If liver injury occurs, treatment should be discontinued, and patients should be referred to a liver specialist for further management.

Conclusion

Tigecycline-induced liver injury is a potential adverse effect of this antibiotic, and certain age groups may be at higher risk of developing this complication. Patients aged 65 years or older, those with a history of liver disease, and those taking medications that can cause liver damage are at higher risk of developing liver injury. Prevention and management of liver injury are crucial to minimize its severity and prevent long-term complications.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline-induced liver injury is a potential adverse effect of this antibiotic.
* Patients aged 65 years or older are at higher risk of developing liver injury.
* Patients with a history of liver disease or those taking medications that can cause liver damage are also at higher risk of developing liver injury.
* Prevention and management of liver injury are crucial to minimize its severity and prevent long-term complications.

FAQs

1. What is tigecycline-induced liver injury?
Tigecycline-induced liver injury is a potential adverse effect of this antibiotic, characterized by liver damage and inflammation.
2. Which age groups are at higher risk of developing liver injury?
Patients aged 65 years or older, those with a history of liver disease, and those taking medications that can cause liver damage are at higher risk of developing liver injury.
3. What are the mechanisms of liver injury?
The exact mechanisms of tigecycline-induced liver injury are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development, including inhibition of protein synthesis in the liver and activation of inflammatory pathways.
4. How can liver injury be prevented and managed?
Prevention and management of liver injury are crucial to minimize its severity and prevent long-term complications. Patients who are at higher risk of developing liver injury should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of liver damage, and treatment should be discontinued if liver injury occurs.
5. What are the long-term complications of tigecycline-induced liver injury?
Long-term complications of tigecycline-induced liver injury include liver failure, cirrhosis, and increased risk of liver cancer.

References

1. "Tigecycline-induced liver injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, vol. 42, no. 4, 2017, pp. 555-563.
2. "Risk factors for tigecycline-induced liver injury: a retrospective cohort study." Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 72, no. 10, 2017, pp. 2735-2742.
3. "Mechanisms of tigecycline-induced liver injury." Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 10, no. 10, 2017, pp. 1031-1042.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration/tigecycline>
2. World Health Organization. (2022). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/medicines/areasubtopics/antimicrobial-resistance/en/>
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/antibiotics/tigecycline.html>