Anaphylaxis during rapid oral desensitization to rifampicin

Δημιουργηθηκε στις Κυριακή, 07 Φεβρουαρίου 2016 11:19

Rifampicin (also known as rifampin) is one of the most potent first-line antituberculosis drugs and an indispensable treatment option for isoniazid-resistant, rifampicin-sensitive tuberculosis (TB). Hypersensitivity reactions to rifampicin, mainly including fever, flu-like syndrome, rash, thrombocytopenia, acute renal failure, urticaria, and anaphylaxis, are considered rare but may occur among susceptible individuals and lead to premature discontinuation of the drug.1

Drug desensitization is a well-established procedure that may temporarily modify a patient’s immunologic response to the sensitizing agent, thus allowing for continuation of treatment.2 Desensitization to rifampicin has been previously described in rare case reports, almost invariably with successful results.2-6 We herein report a case of anaphylaxis during rapid oral desensitization to rifampicin in a male patient with active TB and a history of anaphylactic reactions to this agent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the English literature of a severe immediate-type reaction during desensitization to rifampicin.

You can download the pdf, here