Severe hepatitis due to percutaneous diclofenac

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Hepatology
• Drug Safety

Background:

• Diclofenac is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
• NSAIDs are known to carry a risk of liver injury, though severe cases are rare.
• Percutaneous administration routes are less commonly associated with systemic drug toxicity.

Observation:

• A patient developed severe liver damage.
• The liver damage occurred after percutaneous administration of diclofenac.
• The observed liver injury was reversible.

Findings:

• This report details the first documented case of severe reversible liver damage linked to percutaneous diclofenac.
• The patient's liver function normalized after cessation of the drug.
• The case underscores a potential, albeit rare, hepatotoxic effect of diclofenac via this administration route.

Implications:

• Clinicians should be aware of the potential for severe liver damage with diclofenac, even via percutaneous routes.
• This case emphasizes the importance of monitoring liver function in patients receiving diclofenac.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms of diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity may be warranted.