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Case Report
A 60-year-old man presented with eroded areas in the mouth and blistering eruptions on the scalp, face, trunk, arms, and legs. He initially presented to an outside hospital 4 years prior and was treated with oral prednisone 50 mg daily, to which the eruptions responded rapidly; however, following a nearly 5-mg reduction of the dose per week by the patient and irregular oral administration, he experienced several episodes of recurrence, but he could not remember the exact dosage of prednisone he had taken during that period. Subsequently, he was admitted to our hospital because of large areas of erythema and erosions on the scalp, trunk, arms, and legs.
Since starting the prednisone regimen 4 years prior, the patient had experienced onset of hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, optic nerve atrophy, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, and osteoporosis. Biopsy of a new skin lesion
The patient initially was started again prednisone 50 mg daily, to which the skin eruptions responded, and 2 weeks later, the disease was considered controlled. The prednisone dosage was tapered to 20 mg daily 3 months later with no new blister formation. However, 2 weeks later, the patient was diagnosed by a tuberculosis specialist with pulmonary tuberculosis, and a daily regimen of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and levofloxacin was instituted.
Ten days after starting antituberculosis therapy, the patient developed new erythematous blisters that could not be controlled and self-adjusted the prednisone dose to 50 mg daily. Two months later, blister formation continued.
Six months after the initial presentation, the patient returned to our hospital because of uncontrollable rashes (Figure 2). On admission, he had a Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI) score of 32 with disease involving 30% of the body surface area. Laboratory testing showed a desmoglein 1 level of 233 U/mL and desmoglein 3 level of 228 U/mL. A tuberculosis specialist from an outside hospital was consulted to evaluate the patient’s condition and assist in treatment. Based on findings from a pulmonary computed tomography scan, which showed the inflammation was considerably absorbed, treatment was adjusted to stop using ethambutol and levofloxacin and continue rifampicin and isoniazid. For the PV, prednisone was titrated upward to 75 mg daily, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 1 g twice daily was added, and IVIG 400 mg/kg daily was administered for 7 days. After 3 weeks, the rash still expanded.
In considering possible interactions between the drugs, we consulted the literature and found reports1-3 that rifampicin accelerated glucocorticoid metabolism, of which the tuberculosis specialist that we consulted was not aware. Therefore, rifampicin was stopped, and the antituberculosis therapy was adjusted to levofloxacin and isoniazid. Meanwhile, the steroid was changed to methylprednisolone 120 mg daily for 3 days, then to 80 mg daily for 2 days.
After 5 days, the rash was controlled with no new development and the patient was discharged. He continued on prednisone 80 mg daily and MMF 1 g twice daily.
At 2-month follow-up, no new rash had developed. The patient had already self-discontinued the MMF for 1 month because it was difficult to obtain at local hospitals. The prednisone was reduced to 40 mg daily. Pulmonary computed tomography showed no signs of reactivation of tuberculosis.
Comment
Drugs that depend on these enzymes for their metabolism are prone to
Rifampicin causes a marked reduction in dose-corrected mycophenolic acid exposure when administered simultaneously with MMF through induction of glucuronidation activity and inhibition of enterohepatic recirculation.5,10In in vitro studies, rifampin and other cytochrome P450 inducers have been identified as potentially useful for increasing the rate of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide (an isomeric analogue of cyclophosphamide) 4-hydroxylation in the human liver in a manner that could have a favorable impact on the clinical pharmacokinetics of these anticancer prodrugs.11 However, clinical analysis of 16 patients indicated that co-administration of ifosfamide with rifampin did not result in changes in the pharmacokinetics of the parent drug or its metabolites.12
The steroids and
Conclusion
In our patient, the use of rifapentine resulted in a recurrence of previously controlled PV and resistance to treatment. The patient’s disease was quickly controlled after discontinuation of rifampicin and with a short-term course of high-dose methylprednisolone and remained stable when the dosages of MMF and prednisone were reduced.
- Miyagawa S, Yamashina Y, Okuchi T, et al. Exacerbation of pemphigus by rifampicin. Br J Dermatol. 1986;114:729-732. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1986.tb04882.x
- Gange RW, Rhodes EL, Edwards CO, et al. Pemphigus induced by rifampicin. Br J Dermatol. 1976;95:445-448. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1976.tb00849.x
- Bergrem H, Refvem OK. Altered prednisolone pharmacokinetics in patients treated with rifampicin. Acta Med Scand. 1983;213:339-343. doi:10.1111/j.0954-6820.1983.tb03748.x
- McAllister WA, Thompson PJ, Al-Habet SM, et al. Rifampicin reduces effectiveness and bioavailability of prednisolone. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1983;286:923-925. doi:10.1136/bmj.286.6369.923
- Tavakolpour S. Pemphigus trigger factors: special focus on pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. Arch Dermatol Res. 2018;310:95-106. doi:10.1007/s00403-017-1790-8
- Barman H, Dass R, Duwarah SG. Use of high-dose prednisolone to overcome rifampicin-induced corticosteroid non-responsiveness in childhood nephrotic syndrome. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2016;27:157-160. doi:10.4103/1319-2442.174198
- Okey AB, Roberts EA, Harper PA, et al. Induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes: mechanisms and consequences. Clin Biochem. 1986;19:132-141. doi:10.1016/s0009-9120(86)80060-1
- Venkatesan K. Pharmacokinetic interactions with rifampicin. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1992;22:47-65. doi:10.2165/00003088-199222010-00005
- Naesens M, Kuypers DRJ, Streit F, et al. Rifampin induces alterations in mycophenolic acid glucuronidation and elimination: implications for drug exposure in renal allograft recipients. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2006;80:509-521. doi:10.1016/j.clpt.2006.08.002
- Kuypers DRJ, Verleden G, Naesens M, et al. Drug interaction between mycophenolate mofetil and rifampin: possible induction of uridine diphosphate–glucuronosyltransferase. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2005;78:81-88. doi:10.1016/j.clpt.2005.03.004
- Chenhsu RY, Loong CC, Chou MH, et al. Renal allograft dysfunction associated with rifampin–tacrolimus interaction. Ann Pharmacother. 2000;34:27-31. doi:10.1345/aph.19069
- Douglas JG, McLeod MJ. Pharmacokinetic factors in the modern drug treatment of tuberculosis. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1999;37:127-146. doi:10.2165/00003088-199937020-00003
Case Report
A 60-year-old man presented with eroded areas in the mouth and blistering eruptions on the scalp, face, trunk, arms, and legs. He initially presented to an outside hospital 4 years prior and was treated with oral prednisone 50 mg daily, to which the eruptions responded rapidly; however, following a nearly 5-mg reduction of the dose per week by the patient and irregular oral administration, he experienced several episodes of recurrence, but he could not remember the exact dosage of prednisone he had taken during that period. Subsequently, he was admitted to our hospital because of large areas of erythema and erosions on the scalp, trunk, arms, and legs.
Since starting the prednisone regimen 4 years prior, the patient had experienced onset of hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, optic nerve atrophy, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, and osteoporosis. Biopsy of a new skin lesion
The patient initially was started again prednisone 50 mg daily, to which the skin eruptions responded, and 2 weeks later, the disease was considered controlled. The prednisone dosage was tapered to 20 mg daily 3 months later with no new blister formation. However, 2 weeks later, the patient was diagnosed by a tuberculosis specialist with pulmonary tuberculosis, and a daily regimen of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and levofloxacin was instituted.
Ten days after starting antituberculosis therapy, the patient developed new erythematous blisters that could not be controlled and self-adjusted the prednisone dose to 50 mg daily. Two months later, blister formation continued.
Six months after the initial presentation, the patient returned to our hospital because of uncontrollable rashes (Figure 2). On admission, he had a Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI) score of 32 with disease involving 30% of the body surface area. Laboratory testing showed a desmoglein 1 level of 233 U/mL and desmoglein 3 level of 228 U/mL. A tuberculosis specialist from an outside hospital was consulted to evaluate the patient’s condition and assist in treatment. Based on findings from a pulmonary computed tomography scan, which showed the inflammation was considerably absorbed, treatment was adjusted to stop using ethambutol and levofloxacin and continue rifampicin and isoniazid. For the PV, prednisone was titrated upward to 75 mg daily, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 1 g twice daily was added, and IVIG 400 mg/kg daily was administered for 7 days. After 3 weeks, the rash still expanded.
In considering possible interactions between the drugs, we consulted the literature and found reports1-3 that rifampicin accelerated glucocorticoid metabolism, of which the tuberculosis specialist that we consulted was not aware. Therefore, rifampicin was stopped, and the antituberculosis therapy was adjusted to levofloxacin and isoniazid. Meanwhile, the steroid was changed to methylprednisolone 120 mg daily for 3 days, then to 80 mg daily for 2 days.
After 5 days, the rash was controlled with no new development and the patient was discharged. He continued on prednisone 80 mg daily and MMF 1 g twice daily.
At 2-month follow-up, no new rash had developed. The patient had already self-discontinued the MMF for 1 month because it was difficult to obtain at local hospitals. The prednisone was reduced to 40 mg daily. Pulmonary computed tomography showed no signs of reactivation of tuberculosis.
Comment
Drugs that depend on these enzymes for their metabolism are prone to
Rifampicin causes a marked reduction in dose-corrected mycophenolic acid exposure when administered simultaneously with MMF through induction of glucuronidation activity and inhibition of enterohepatic recirculation.5,10In in vitro studies, rifampin and other cytochrome P450 inducers have been identified as potentially useful for increasing the rate of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide (an isomeric analogue of cyclophosphamide) 4-hydroxylation in the human liver in a manner that could have a favorable impact on the clinical pharmacokinetics of these anticancer prodrugs.11 However, clinical analysis of 16 patients indicated that co-administration of ifosfamide with rifampin did not result in changes in the pharmacokinetics of the parent drug or its metabolites.12
The steroids and
Conclusion
In our patient, the use of rifapentine resulted in a recurrence of previously controlled PV and resistance to treatment. The patient’s disease was quickly controlled after discontinuation of rifampicin and with a short-term course of high-dose methylprednisolone and remained stable when the dosages of MMF and prednisone were reduced.
Case Report
A 60-year-old man presented with eroded areas in the mouth and blistering eruptions on the scalp, face, trunk, arms, and legs. He initially presented to an outside hospital 4 years prior and was treated with oral prednisone 50 mg daily, to which the eruptions responded rapidly; however, following a nearly 5-mg reduction of the dose per week by the patient and irregular oral administration, he experienced several episodes of recurrence, but he could not remember the exact dosage of prednisone he had taken during that period. Subsequently, he was admitted to our hospital because of large areas of erythema and erosions on the scalp, trunk, arms, and legs.
Since starting the prednisone regimen 4 years prior, the patient had experienced onset of hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, optic nerve atrophy, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, and osteoporosis. Biopsy of a new skin lesion
The patient initially was started again prednisone 50 mg daily, to which the skin eruptions responded, and 2 weeks later, the disease was considered controlled. The prednisone dosage was tapered to 20 mg daily 3 months later with no new blister formation. However, 2 weeks later, the patient was diagnosed by a tuberculosis specialist with pulmonary tuberculosis, and a daily regimen of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and levofloxacin was instituted.
Ten days after starting antituberculosis therapy, the patient developed new erythematous blisters that could not be controlled and self-adjusted the prednisone dose to 50 mg daily. Two months later, blister formation continued.
Six months after the initial presentation, the patient returned to our hospital because of uncontrollable rashes (Figure 2). On admission, he had a Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI) score of 32 with disease involving 30% of the body surface area. Laboratory testing showed a desmoglein 1 level of 233 U/mL and desmoglein 3 level of 228 U/mL. A tuberculosis specialist from an outside hospital was consulted to evaluate the patient’s condition and assist in treatment. Based on findings from a pulmonary computed tomography scan, which showed the inflammation was considerably absorbed, treatment was adjusted to stop using ethambutol and levofloxacin and continue rifampicin and isoniazid. For the PV, prednisone was titrated upward to 75 mg daily, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 1 g twice daily was added, and IVIG 400 mg/kg daily was administered for 7 days. After 3 weeks, the rash still expanded.
In considering possible interactions between the drugs, we consulted the literature and found reports1-3 that rifampicin accelerated glucocorticoid metabolism, of which the tuberculosis specialist that we consulted was not aware. Therefore, rifampicin was stopped, and the antituberculosis therapy was adjusted to levofloxacin and isoniazid. Meanwhile, the steroid was changed to methylprednisolone 120 mg daily for 3 days, then to 80 mg daily for 2 days.
After 5 days, the rash was controlled with no new development and the patient was discharged. He continued on prednisone 80 mg daily and MMF 1 g twice daily.
At 2-month follow-up, no new rash had developed. The patient had already self-discontinued the MMF for 1 month because it was difficult to obtain at local hospitals. The prednisone was reduced to 40 mg daily. Pulmonary computed tomography showed no signs of reactivation of tuberculosis.
Comment
Drugs that depend on these enzymes for their metabolism are prone to
Rifampicin causes a marked reduction in dose-corrected mycophenolic acid exposure when administered simultaneously with MMF through induction of glucuronidation activity and inhibition of enterohepatic recirculation.5,10In in vitro studies, rifampin and other cytochrome P450 inducers have been identified as potentially useful for increasing the rate of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide (an isomeric analogue of cyclophosphamide) 4-hydroxylation in the human liver in a manner that could have a favorable impact on the clinical pharmacokinetics of these anticancer prodrugs.11 However, clinical analysis of 16 patients indicated that co-administration of ifosfamide with rifampin did not result in changes in the pharmacokinetics of the parent drug or its metabolites.12
The steroids and
Conclusion
In our patient, the use of rifapentine resulted in a recurrence of previously controlled PV and resistance to treatment. The patient’s disease was quickly controlled after discontinuation of rifampicin and with a short-term course of high-dose methylprednisolone and remained stable when the dosages of MMF and prednisone were reduced.
- Miyagawa S, Yamashina Y, Okuchi T, et al. Exacerbation of pemphigus by rifampicin. Br J Dermatol. 1986;114:729-732. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1986.tb04882.x
- Gange RW, Rhodes EL, Edwards CO, et al. Pemphigus induced by rifampicin. Br J Dermatol. 1976;95:445-448. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1976.tb00849.x
- Bergrem H, Refvem OK. Altered prednisolone pharmacokinetics in patients treated with rifampicin. Acta Med Scand. 1983;213:339-343. doi:10.1111/j.0954-6820.1983.tb03748.x
- McAllister WA, Thompson PJ, Al-Habet SM, et al. Rifampicin reduces effectiveness and bioavailability of prednisolone. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1983;286:923-925. doi:10.1136/bmj.286.6369.923
- Tavakolpour S. Pemphigus trigger factors: special focus on pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. Arch Dermatol Res. 2018;310:95-106. doi:10.1007/s00403-017-1790-8
- Barman H, Dass R, Duwarah SG. Use of high-dose prednisolone to overcome rifampicin-induced corticosteroid non-responsiveness in childhood nephrotic syndrome. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2016;27:157-160. doi:10.4103/1319-2442.174198
- Okey AB, Roberts EA, Harper PA, et al. Induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes: mechanisms and consequences. Clin Biochem. 1986;19:132-141. doi:10.1016/s0009-9120(86)80060-1
- Venkatesan K. Pharmacokinetic interactions with rifampicin. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1992;22:47-65. doi:10.2165/00003088-199222010-00005
- Naesens M, Kuypers DRJ, Streit F, et al. Rifampin induces alterations in mycophenolic acid glucuronidation and elimination: implications for drug exposure in renal allograft recipients. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2006;80:509-521. doi:10.1016/j.clpt.2006.08.002
- Kuypers DRJ, Verleden G, Naesens M, et al. Drug interaction between mycophenolate mofetil and rifampin: possible induction of uridine diphosphate–glucuronosyltransferase. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2005;78:81-88. doi:10.1016/j.clpt.2005.03.004
- Chenhsu RY, Loong CC, Chou MH, et al. Renal allograft dysfunction associated with rifampin–tacrolimus interaction. Ann Pharmacother. 2000;34:27-31. doi:10.1345/aph.19069
- Douglas JG, McLeod MJ. Pharmacokinetic factors in the modern drug treatment of tuberculosis. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1999;37:127-146. doi:10.2165/00003088-199937020-00003
- Miyagawa S, Yamashina Y, Okuchi T, et al. Exacerbation of pemphigus by rifampicin. Br J Dermatol. 1986;114:729-732. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1986.tb04882.x
- Gange RW, Rhodes EL, Edwards CO, et al. Pemphigus induced by rifampicin. Br J Dermatol. 1976;95:445-448. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1976.tb00849.x
- Bergrem H, Refvem OK. Altered prednisolone pharmacokinetics in patients treated with rifampicin. Acta Med Scand. 1983;213:339-343. doi:10.1111/j.0954-6820.1983.tb03748.x
- McAllister WA, Thompson PJ, Al-Habet SM, et al. Rifampicin reduces effectiveness and bioavailability of prednisolone. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1983;286:923-925. doi:10.1136/bmj.286.6369.923
- Tavakolpour S. Pemphigus trigger factors: special focus on pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. Arch Dermatol Res. 2018;310:95-106. doi:10.1007/s00403-017-1790-8
- Barman H, Dass R, Duwarah SG. Use of high-dose prednisolone to overcome rifampicin-induced corticosteroid non-responsiveness in childhood nephrotic syndrome. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2016;27:157-160. doi:10.4103/1319-2442.174198
- Okey AB, Roberts EA, Harper PA, et al. Induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes: mechanisms and consequences. Clin Biochem. 1986;19:132-141. doi:10.1016/s0009-9120(86)80060-1
- Venkatesan K. Pharmacokinetic interactions with rifampicin. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1992;22:47-65. doi:10.2165/00003088-199222010-00005
- Naesens M, Kuypers DRJ, Streit F, et al. Rifampin induces alterations in mycophenolic acid glucuronidation and elimination: implications for drug exposure in renal allograft recipients. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2006;80:509-521. doi:10.1016/j.clpt.2006.08.002
- Kuypers DRJ, Verleden G, Naesens M, et al. Drug interaction between mycophenolate mofetil and rifampin: possible induction of uridine diphosphate–glucuronosyltransferase. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2005;78:81-88. doi:10.1016/j.clpt.2005.03.004
- Chenhsu RY, Loong CC, Chou MH, et al. Renal allograft dysfunction associated with rifampin–tacrolimus interaction. Ann Pharmacother. 2000;34:27-31. doi:10.1345/aph.19069
- Douglas JG, McLeod MJ. Pharmacokinetic factors in the modern drug treatment of tuberculosis. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1999;37:127-146. doi:10.2165/00003088-199937020-00003
Practice Points
- Long-term use of immunosuppressants requires constant attention for infections, especially latent infections in the body.
- Clinicians should carefully inquire with patients about concomitant diseases and medications used, and be vigilant about drug interactions.