A case of telbivudine-related fatal lactic acidosis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

Abstract

The incidence of telbivudine-related adverse reactions has been gradually increased. The increased levels of muscle enzymes and blood lactate are common. In this case, a 23-year-old male patient with long-term oral telbivudine had a rare serious adverse reaction. The main clinical manifestations were progressive myalgia, gradually progressed to mental disorder, and together with multiple organ dysfunction, in which the level of blood lactate was increased significantly and metabolic acidosis was extremely severe. Blood purification and sodium bicarbonate were given to correct acidosis, while ceftazidime was used to prevent infection. Telbivudine was discontinued, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and liver protective drug were used. The patient was discharged with a better health condition. Such patients are easily misdiagnosed as neuromuscular diseases in the early stage, which might delay the treatment and worsen medical conditions. Clinicians need to be cautious and obtain an early identification to avoid misdiagnosis.