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Study of renal parameter changes by intraperitoneal injection of amikacin and cefotaxime in albino rats

Background Amikacin and cefotaxime are excreted by renal mechanisms and have ability to influence the structure and/or function of kidneys. In the present study, an attempt has been made to assess the nephrotoxic effects of amikacin, cefotaxime, and their combination.

Methods A total of 10 albino rats (180-210 g) were included in each of four groups. Group A (control group) received i.p. 2 ml/kg/day of normal saline, Group B received i.p. 15 mg/kg/day of amikacin, Group C received i.p. 100 mg/kg/day of cefotaxime, and Group D received i.p. amikacin and cefotaxime daily for 4 weeks. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine were estimated at 1st, 14th, 28th day during i.p. administration then at 6th and 18th month during follow-up. Data obtained were expressed as mean±standard deviation and analyzed using the analysis of variance.

Results At 1st day, 14th day, 28th day, 6th month, 18th month, mean blood urea and serum creatinine in Group A were 20.37±0.08, 20.42±0.10, 20.48±0.09, 20.38±0.10, 20.45±0.07 and 0.50±0.067, 0.49±0.096, 0.48±0.075, 0.49±0.034, and 0.48±0.045, respectively; in Group B were 20.31±0.06, 24.08±0.50, 25.68±0.57, 22.60±0.09, 21.52±36 and 0.50±0.07, 0.65±0.093, 0.78±0.097, 0.63±0.08, 0.56±0.063, respectively; in Group C were 20.11±0.06, 23.84±0.08, 25.11±0.46, 22.50±0.78, 21.14±0.65 and 0.52±0.073, 0.69±0.063, 0.83±0.081, 0.69±0.062, 0.57±0.52, respectively; in Group D were 20.70±1.55, 26.32±1.1, 29.90±0.98, 26.05±1.6, 23.44±1.0 and 0.53±0.045, 0.90±0.084, 1.04±0.14, 0.91±0.045, 0.89±0.048 respectively. Mean BUN and serum creatinine were normal in Group A, but increase was highly significant in Group B, C, and D during drug administration but decreased during follow-up. In Group D, the mean level remained above the normal range till 18th month.

Conclusions Rise in BUN and serum creatinine was highly significant when the amikacin was combined with cefotaxime during i.p. administration as well as during follow-up. It concluded that these drug combinations may be harmful to the kidney, and gradually, it can lead to permanent renal damage.