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Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus
Published on: October 1, 2015
Nitrofurantoin-induced chronic active hepatitis
Guy Amit1, Patrizia Cohen, Zvi Ackerman
1Department of Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
Background:
Nitrofurantoin is a commonly prescribed urinary antiseptic. Hepatic injury has been associated with its use.
Objectives:
To present three patients in whom long-term exposure to the drug resulted in chronic active hepatitis; and to review the epidemiology, clinical immunology, histopathology, pathogenetic features and treatment of previously reported cases.
Results:
Withdrawing nitrofurantoin once the diagnosis was suspected did not lead to remission of the liver disease and glucocorticoids had to be administered. One patient died of liver failure.
Conclusions:
Awareness of this unusual side effect of nitrofurantoin is important and caution should be taken before prescribing it. Over the past years new insight into the immune nature of this drug has emerged.
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