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Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
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Drug-Induced Liver Injury Due To Losartan
Joana Diogo1, Rita Monteiro1, Carolina Coelho1
1Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal.
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|December 16, 2021
Summary
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) from losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, is exceptionally rare. Prompt diagnosis and drug withdrawal are crucial for managing this severe liver reaction.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) presents diagnostic challenges due to numerous causative agents.
- Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, is widely used for hypertension, with rare reports of elevated transaminases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of DILI attributed to losartan.
- To highlight the importance of considering DILI in patients with unexplained liver enzyme elevations.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 66-year-old male patient with a history of drug-induced hepatitis.
- Clinical presentation, diagnostic exclusion of other causes, and assumed DILI linked to losartan reintroduction.
Main Results:
- The patient developed acute abdominal symptoms and elevated liver enzymes after 3 weeks of losartan therapy.
- This case represents one of only seven documented instances of DILI associated with losartan.
Conclusions:
- Hepatotoxicity from losartan is a very infrequent adverse effect, even with its extensive use.
- Maintaining a high index of suspicion for DILI and excluding other diagnoses are critical.
- Monitoring drug use is vital, as DILI recurrence can lead to a poorer prognosis.
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