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A case of prolonged cholestatic hepatitis induced by azithromycin in a young woman

Caterina Maggioli1, Luca Santi1, Giacomo Zaccherini1

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Policlinico Sant'Orsola, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy.

Case Reports in Hepatology
|May 9, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Azithromycin is a common antibiotic, usually well-tolerated. This report details a rare case of prolonged cholestatic hepatitis in a young woman following azithromycin treatment, highlighting a potential adverse drug reaction.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Azithromycin is a widely used macrolide antibiotic for common infections.
  • Cholestatic hepatitis is a rare adverse effect of azithromycin, typically seen in older patients.
  • Previous cases predominantly involved individuals over 65 years of age.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of prolonged cholestatic hepatitis associated with azithromycin.
  • To highlight the potential for this adverse reaction in younger individuals.
  • To contribute to the understanding of azithromycin-induced liver injury.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a young female patient.
  • Clinical and laboratory evaluation of liver function.
  • Review of medical history and drug administration records.

Main Results:

  • The patient developed prolonged cholestatic hepatitis after azithromycin administration.
  • The patient had no prior history of liver disease.
  • The adverse event occurred in a patient outside the typically affected age group.

Conclusions:

  • Azithromycin can cause prolonged cholestatic hepatitis, even in young, healthy individuals.
  • Healthcare providers should be vigilant for this rare side effect.
  • Further investigation into the mechanisms of azithromycin-induced hepatotoxicity may be warranted.

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