Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
03:23
Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
Chronic hepatitis with eosinophilic infiltration associated with asthma
Fumio Omata1, Minoru Shibata, Masayuki Nakano
1Gastroenterology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo. f_omata@mac.com
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|November 17, 2009
Summary
A woman experienced drug-induced liver injury, characterized by eosinophilia and jaundice, which recurred after steroid withdrawal. Treatment with 6-mercaptopurine was initiated, suggesting its potential in managing such cases.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant concern, often presenting with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Asthma patients with allergies may have increased susceptibility to adverse drug reactions.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old woman with aspirin and penicillin allergies presented with jaundice, fever, and fatigue after taking multiple over-the-counter medications.
- Laboratory findings included eosinophilia, elevated IgE, hyperbilirubinemia, and abnormal liver function tests, ruling out viral hepatitis.
Findings:
- Initial diagnosis of drug-induced hepatitis was made, with initial improvement on steroids.
- Relapse of liver dysfunction and eosinophilia occurred upon steroid discontinuation, confirmed by liver biopsy showing eosinophilic infiltration.
- 6-mercaptopurine was introduced, leading to steroid discontinuation.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering DILI in patients with unexplained liver injury, especially with a history of drug allergies.
- Recurrent DILI unresponsive to steroids may necessitate alternative immunosuppressive therapies like 6-mercaptopurine.
- Further research into specific drug culprits and management strategies for DILI is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...