Tacrolimus-induced cholestatic hepatotoxicity after renal transplantation: a case report

In this manuscript, we report a case of tacrolimus-associated hepatotoxicity in a kidney transplant recipient.

In this case report, a 56 years old Arab male patient who received a kidney transplant presented with icterus, weakness, and lethargy two weeks after transplantation and tacrolimus initiation. In laboratory analysis hyperbilirubinemia and a rise in hepatic enzymes were observed. All possible causes of hepatotoxicity were examined. The panel for infectious causes was negative. Drug-induced liver injury was diagnosed. The patient’s immunosuppressive regimen was changed to a cyclosporine-based regimen and after this change bilirubin and hepatic enzymes decreased and the patient was discharged without signs and symptoms of hepatitis.

It seems that the patient’s hyperbilirubinemia was due to tacrolimus, and the patient’s bilirubin decreased after stopping tacrolimus.