Dronedarone-Mediated Acute Hepatic and Renal Toxicity
Zarak H Khan1, Kashif Mukhtar1, Munis M Ahmed1,2
1Internal Medicine, St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, USA.
Cureus
|September 14, 2020
Summary
Dronedarone, an antiarrhythmic drug, can cause severe liver injury. This case highlights a rare instance of rapid liver and kidney failure in an elderly patient after starting dronedarone.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hepatology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Dronedarone is an antiarrhythmic agent developed to mimic amiodarone's effects with improved safety.
- While generally associated with chronic liver enzyme elevation, rapid liver failure is a rare complication.
Observation:
- An 86-year-old male patient initiated dronedarone therapy.
- The patient subsequently developed acute liver failure and acute kidney failure.
Findings:
- The patient's acute liver and kidney failure occurred concurrently with the initiation of dronedarone.
- This presentation represents a rare, rapid-onset adverse drug reaction to dronedarone.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for potential rapid-onset hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity with dronedarone.
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring liver and kidney function in patients receiving dronedarone, especially the elderly.
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