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Dantrolene sodium and hepatic injury
1Department of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205-7199.
Neurology
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Dantrolene therapy can cause liver damage, including jaundice and fatal hepatitis. Monitoring liver function is crucial, especially for women over 35 and patients with multiple sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant used for various conditions.
- Hepatic adverse events have been reported with dantrolene therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze hepatic adverse events associated with dantrolene therapy.
- To identify risk factors and predictors of fatal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of all cases reported to the manufacturer through 1987.
- Analysis of 122 cases with sufficient data for hepatic injury assessment.
- Comparison of demographic and clinical factors between fatal and nonfatal cases.
Main Results:
- 47 patients had asymptomatic transaminase elevations, 36 had jaundice, and 27 died.
- Higher dantrolene dosage and longer duration of therapy were associated with fatal outcomes.
- Elevated serum bilirubin levels and concomitant diseases were predictive of death.
Conclusions:
- Dantrolene therapy is associated with a risk of severe hepatic injury.
- Physicians should closely monitor liver function in patients receiving dantrolene.
- Early detection and intervention may be critical for improving patient outcomes.