Drug-induced acute liver disease

Postgrad Med J. 1989 Jun;65(764):367-70. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.65.764.367.

Abstract

Fifty-three patients with drug-induced acute liver disease are reported. There were 35 females and 18 males with a mean age of 41 years. All but one patient had jaundice or hyperbilirubinaemia and 51 had abnormal liver enzymes. Histologically 38 patients (72%) had cholestatic injury while 15 had cytotoxic parenchymal damage. Methyldopa, chlorpropamide, chlorpromazine, halothane and the contraceptive pill accounted for 60% of cases. Fifty-one patients recovered after drug withdrawal while 2 died of hepatic failure. Drug-induced liver injury must be considered in patients presenting with evidence of hepatic disease as the majority will recover on withdrawal.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sex Factors