Levofloxacin based non-rifampicin anti-tuberculous therapy: An effective alternative in renal transplant recipients in resource limited setting.

INTRODUCTION: Rifampicin is one of the most effective components of anti-tuberculous therapy (ATT). Since rifampicin is a hepatic enzyme (CYP3A4) inducer, in a post-renal transplant recipient, the dose of calcineurin inhibitors needs to be up-regulated and frequently monitored. In resource-limited (low- and lower-middle-income countries) setting this is not always feasible. Therefore, we evaluated a non-rifampicin-based ATT using levofloxacin in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the medical records of renal transplant recipients diagnosed with tuberculosis in our institute between 2014 and 2017. After a brief discussion with patients regarding the nature and course of ATT, those who opted for a non-rifampicin based therapy due to financial constraints were included in the study and followed for a minimum of 6 months period after the completion of ATT. RESULTS: Out of the 550 renal transplant recipients, 67 (12.2%) developed tuberculosis after a median period of 24 (1-228) months following transplantation, of them, 64 patients opted for non-rifampicin-based ATT. The mean age was 37.6 years. Only 25% were given anti-thymocyte globulin based induction, while the majority (56; 87.5%) of them were on tacrolimus-based triple-drug maintenance therapy. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis was noted in 33% of cases, while 12 (18.7%) had disseminated disease. The median duration of treatment was 12 months and the cure rate of 93.7% (n = 60) was achieved at the end of therapy. CONCLUSION: Levofloxacin based ATT appears to be a safe and effective alternative of rifampicin in kidney transplant recipients who cannot afford heightened tacrolimus dosage.

Rare crystalline nephropathy leading to acute graft dysfunction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (APRT) deficiency is a rare genetic form of kidney stones and/or kidney failure characterized by intratubular precipitation of 2,8 dihydroxyadenine crystals. Early diagnosis and prompt management can completely reverse the kidney injury. CASE PRESENTATION: 44 year old Indian male, renal transplant recipient got admitted with acute graft dysfunction. Graft biopsy showed light brown refractile intratubular crystals with surrounding giant cell reaction, consistent with APRT deficiency. Patient improved after receiving allopurinol and hydration. CONCLUSION: APRT forms a reversible cause of crystalline nephropathy. High index of suspicion is required for the correct diagnosis as timely diagnosis has therapeutic implications.