Hepatotoxicity possibly caused by amphotericin B

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of possible amphotericin B-induced hepatotoxicity in a patient with pulmonary blastomycosis. SUMMARY: A 26-year-old white man with life-threatening pulmonary blastomycosis developed elevation of his liver enzymes after the addition of amphotericin B to his initial itraconazole therapy. The hepatotoxicity resolved rapidly with discontinuation of the amphotericin B, and the blastomycosis was successfully treated with itraconazole alone. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates an unusual occurrence of hepatotoxicity associated with a short course of amphotericin B. Liver biopsy was compatible with drug-induced changes and showed no evidence of blastomycosis. Discontinuation of amphotericin B with no other therapeutic changes resulted in a rapid resolution of hepatotoxicity. A possible adverse drug interaction with itraconazole and amphotericin B is postulated based on the mechanism of action of each drug. CONCLUSIONS: Amphotericin B therapy can be associated with many adverse effects, but reports of hepatotoxicity are rare. Closer monitoring of liver enzymes in patients receiving amphotericin B, especially in combination with potentially hepatotoxic agents, including azole antifungal drugs, would be prudent.

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				F. Persat, P. E. Schwartzbrod, J. Troncy, Q. Timour, A. Maul, M. A. Piens, and S. Picot Abnormalities in liver enzymes during simultaneous therapy with itraconazole and amphotericin B in leukaemic patients J. Antimicrob. Chemother., June 1, 2000; 45(6): 928 - 929. [Full Text] [PDF]