Retrospective analysis of clinical features of liver injury induced by levofloxacin.

Abstract

Background: Current understanding of the relationship between levofloxacin exposure and hepatic injury primarily relies on case reports. This article aims to investigate the features of levofloxacin-induced liver injury.

Research design and methods: We incorporated case series and reports regarding levofloxacin-induced hepatotoxicity published prior to 30 June 2024, utilizing an extensive search database. The data from 40 patients were collected and subjected to descriptive analysis.

Results: The median age of the 40 patients was 60 years (range 10, 99), and the median time to exacerbation was 5 days (range 1 199). Liver injury was categorized as hepatocellular (62.5%), cholestatic (12.5%), and mixed (25.0%). Clinical manifestations included asymptomatic elevations in liver enzymes, jaundice, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, hepatic encephalopathy. Laboratory evaluations revealed varying degrees of elevation in aminotransferases and total bilirubin. Biopsy results indicated hepatic necrosis, cholestasis, steatosis, and inflammatory infiltrates. After levofloxacin discontinuation, the median time to normalization of liver function was 21 days (range 3, 103), and 8 patients ultimately succumbing to the condition.

Conclusions: Hepatotoxicity is an uncommon but severe adverse effect associated with levofloxacin. Immediate discontinuation of levofloxacin is warranted if there is a rapid increase in aminotransferase levels or the emergence of hepatitis symptoms.