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[Chronic drug-induced hepatitis caused by dihydralazine].
G Roschlau1, S Hass, V Schmehl
1Pathologischen Institut, St. Hedwigs-Krankenhauses, Berlin.
Deutsche Zeitschrift Fur Verdauungs- Und Stoffwechselkrankheiten
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Dihydralazine can cause chronic aggressive hepatitis, even without symptoms. Early detection of elevated transaminases and drug withdrawal leads to recovery, highlighting the importance of liver monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Dihydralazine is a vasodilator used in hypertension treatment.
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant clinical concern.
- Chronic aggressive hepatitis can be a manifestation of DILI.
Observation:
- Two cases of dihydralazine-induced chronic aggressive hepatitis are presented.
- One patient presented with obstructive jaundice, while the other was asymptomatic with elevated transaminases.
- Exposure to dihydralazine ranged from 2-3 years.
Findings:
- Biopsy confirmed chronic aggressive hepatitis in both cases.
- Withdrawal of dihydralazine resulted in patient recovery within 2-3 months.
- Acute dihydralazine-hepatitis was more frequent (77:2 ratio) than chronic cases in a review of 6,581 liver biopsies.
Implications:
- Elevated transaminases warrant drug withdrawal or liver biopsy to rule out dihydralazine hepatotoxicity.
- This study underscores the potential for dihydralazine to cause severe liver injury.
- Awareness of dihydralazine's hepatotoxic potential is crucial for clinicians managing hypertensive patients.
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