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Liver injury from cyclosporine A
C Kassianides1, R Nussenblatt, A G Palestine
1Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Cyclosporine A commonly causes mild liver injury in patients with uveitis, indicated by abnormal liver tests. These biochemical changes are usually temporary and asymptomatic, resolving on their own.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cyclosporine A is an immunosuppressant used for endogenous uveitis.
- Hepatotoxicity is a potential side effect of cyclosporine A therapy.
- Monitoring liver function is crucial during treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of cyclosporine A-induced hepatotoxicity.
- To characterize the pattern of liver biochemical abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of liver biochemical tests.
- Inclusion of 59 patients with endogenous uveitis treated with cyclosporine A.
- Data collection over a 6- to 36-month period with regular monitoring.
Main Results:
- 58% of patients showed at least one abnormal liver test.
- 32% had prolonged abnormalities.
- Mild, transient increases in alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and aminotransferase levels were observed.
Conclusions:
- Biochemical evidence of mild cholestatic liver injury is common with cyclosporine A.
- Abnormalities are typically self-limited and asymptomatic.
- Potential for diagnostic challenges in patients with pre-existing liver conditions.