Hyponatremia Associated with Prophylactic Low-Dose Trimethoprim during Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy for AQP4-Positive Optic Neuritis in a Diabetic Patient
Open Access
- 22 April 2020
- journal article
- case report
- Published by MDPI AG in Antibiotics
- Vol. 9 (4), 201
- https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9040201
Abstract
Hyponatremia associated with low-dose trimethoprim in patients on concomitant systemic corticosteroid therapy has rarely been reported. Here, we describe a 57-year-old woman with a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension treated with telmisartan, who presented with progressive visual impairment of the left eye due to anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-positive optic neuritis. The patient received pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone at 30 mg/day and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis (160 mg and 800 mg daily). Her serum sodium level steadily decreased, and the potassium level was slightly elevated despite well-preserved renal function. This state persisted even after telmisartan discontinuation. In addition to hypotonic hyponatremia (125 mEq/L) with natriuresis, hyperkalemic renal tubular acidosis was diagnosed based on normal anion gap metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia with low urinary potassium excretion. After trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole cessation, electrolytes and acid–base imbalances swiftly recovered. We can conclude that caution must be exercised when treating such patients, because even low-dose trimethoprim may cause hyponatremia concomitant with hyperkalemic renal tubular acidosis, despite the mineralocorticoid effects of systemic corticosteroids.Keywords
This publication has 29 references indexed in Scilit:
- A practical guide to the monitoring and management of the complications of systemic corticosteroid therapyAllergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, 2013
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis may herald or accompany neuromyelitis opticaNeurology, 2011
- Considerations when prescribing trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazoleCMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2011
- A Review of Drug-Induced HyponatremiaAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2008
- The molecular basis of water transport in the brainNature Reviews Neuroscience, 2003
- Renoprotective Effect of the Angiotensin-Receptor Antagonist Irbesartan in Patients with Nephropathy Due to Type 2 DiabetesNew England Journal of Medicine, 2001
- Effects of Losartan on Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and NephropathyNew England Journal of Medicine, 2001
- Trimethoprim-Induced HyperkalaemiaDrug Safety, 2000
- Renal Mechanism of Trimethoprim-induced HyperkalemiaAnnals of Internal Medicine, 1993
- Trimethoprim-Induced Hyperkalemia in a Patient with AIDSNew England Journal of Medicine, 1993