Biopsy-confirmed fenofibrate-induced severe jaundice: A case report

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the United States. DILI is mainly caused by painkillers and fever reducers, and it is often characterized by the type of hepatic injury (hepatocellular or cholestatic). This report presents a case of fenofibrate-induced severe jaundice in a 65-year-old Korean male with no prior history of liver disease. We offer a strategy for patients who present signs of severe liver injury with jaundice and high elevations in serum transaminases.

A 65-year-old male visited the gastroenterology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital due to increased levels of liver enzyme and total bilirubin which were incidentally detected through a preoperative screening test. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography showed no biliary obstruction or non-specific findings in the liver. Liver biopsy was performed and the patient was finally diagnosed with acute cholestatic hepatitis. Following the biopsy, steroid therapy was initiated and after 3 wk of treatment, the total bilirubin level was reduced to 7.22 mg/dL.

In patients with hyperlipidemia, treatment including fenofibric acid induces rare complications such as severe jaundice and acute cholestatic hepatitis, warranting clinical attention.