Challenge tests and kampo medicines: case report and review of the literature

Am J Chin Med. 2003;31(4):643-8. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X03001259.

Abstract

In order to diagnose Kampo medicine-induced liver injury, a challenge test using the suspected medicine is the most reliable method of assessing the relationship between Kampo medication and liver injury. However, such a challenge test may cause severe liver injury. We examined the clinical features and safety of challenge tests conducted by a physician in a case of Kampo medicine-induced liver injury that we encountered as well as in the previous literature (six cases) in Japan. In all cases except two, one-third of the daily dose was given a few times for the challenge test (challenge dose was not described in two cases). The reaction induced by the challenge peaked 1-3 days after challenge. Mild eosinophilia (6%) was observed in two cases. All liver injuries induced by challenge cleared within 2 weeks, and neither severe nor fatal liver injury was observed. In conclusion, a challenge with a small dose of Kampo medicine conducted in our case and in the previous literature induced mild and reversible liver injury. The safety and availability of challenge with a small dose of Kampo medicine should be further examined in a larger population with Kampo medicine-induced liver injury.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / epidemiology*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / administration & dosage
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Japan / epidemiology
  • Medical Records
  • Medicine, Kampo*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / toxicity
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Toxicity Tests / methods
  • Toxicity Tests / statistics & numerical data*

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Plant Extracts