TB DRUGS CAN HIT KIDNEYS

Anti-tuberculosis drugs like rifampin, ethambutol and isoniazid are found to cause acute kidney damage in patients above 60, according to data studied by researchers.

The medical records of tuberculosis patients in India aged above 60 years were studied and it was found that the drugs were leading to acute kidney damage. In 20 per cent of the patients it led to chronic kidney disease or renal failure. Dr Vijay Kumar, senior nephrologist said, “Of the 100 patients who were studied, 71 developed acute kidney problems after two months of treatment. Ten patients had a prior history of rifampin exposure and 20 per cent had co-morbid conditions like diabetes which led to endstage renal disease.”

For this reason, tuberculosis patients must take a kidney function test every three months. This is because doctors are giving priority to renal recovery.

Dr R.C. Prabhu, nephrologist explained, “The median time for recovery of kidney is 39.6 days. Factors which indicate renal recovery are fever, rash and gastro-intestinal disturbance. Hence it becomes important that those above 60 suffering from TB must be evaluated as they suffer from these conditions.”

Geriatric patients require better management as they might be suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases where the symptoms of kidney damage may not be clear. Those who begin anti-TB drugs and are found to have infrequent urination, swelling of legs, pain in the chest, nausea and fatigue must report the same to their doctor.