Hepatotoxicity from Anti-Tuberculosis Therapy in Ethiopian Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Himer Getnet, Aderaye Getachew, Amogne Wondwossen, Makonnen Eyasu, Aklillu Eleni, Lindquist Lars, Yamuah Lawrence, Feleke Beniyam, Aseffa Abraham
Primary Institution: Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Hypothesis
Is HIV infection a risk factor for the development of hepatotoxicity in patients taking anti-tuberculosis therapy?
Conclusion
HIV-positive patients are at a higher risk of developing anti-TB drug-induced hepatotoxicity compared to HIV-negative patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Sub-clinical hepatotoxicity was observed in 17.3% of patients.
- 4.1% of patients developed clinical hepatotoxicity.
- HIV co-infection was significantly associated with sub-clinical hepatotoxicity (p=0.002).
- Patients with lower CD4 counts were at higher risk for hepatotoxicity.
Takeaway
This study found that people with HIV are more likely to have liver problems when taking tuberculosis medicine, especially if their immune system is weak.
Methodology
A cohort study evaluating 103 HIV positive and 94 HIV negative TB patients for hepatotoxicity.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the study being conducted in a single health institution, which may not represent the entire population.
Limitations
The study was limited by its single-center design and the majority of participants being underweight, making it difficult to assess the association between BMI and hepatotoxicity.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 26 years, with 52.8% male and 47.2% female; 52.3% were HIV positive.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.002 for HIV status association with sub-clinical hepatotoxicity
Confidence Interval
95% CI for HIV positive patients: 3.6 (1.5–8.5)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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