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. So, 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 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 twelve (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.