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Protracted cholestasis probably induced by oral contraceptive
M Wedén1, H Glaumann, K Einarsson
1Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Journal of Internal Medicine
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Oral contraceptives may cause intrahepatic cholestasis, a liver condition. This case study highlights a prolonged elevation of alkaline phosphatase levels for 10 years post-cessation, suggesting a rare drug-induced liver injury.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Intrahepatic cholestasis is a liver condition characterized by impaired bile flow.
- Oral contraceptive agents are known to have potential adverse effects on liver function.
Observation:
- A patient presented with intrahepatic cholestasis, initially suspected as primary biliary cirrhosis.
- Liver biopsy revealed eosinophilia and sinusoidal dilatation, indicative of drug-induced liver injury.
Findings:
- Cholestasis resolved biochemically and histologically after discontinuing oral contraceptives.
- Serum alkaline phosphatase levels remained elevated for approximately 10 years, a protracted course not typically reported.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential for prolonged liver enzyme abnormalities following oral contraceptive-induced cholestasis.
- Healthcare providers should consider drug-induced liver injury in patients with persistent cholestasis, even after drug cessation.