Hepatitis Associated with Catha edulis Consumption-A Single-Center Study

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Toxicology
• Immunology

Background:

• Catha edulis (Khat) is a stimulant with known hepatotoxic effects.
• Limited studies document laboratory patterns of Khat-induced liver injury.
• Understanding these patterns is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the laboratory and clinical patterns associated with hepatic dysfunction in Khat users.
• To characterize the nature of liver injury induced by Khat consumption.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of patients with liver injury and self-reported Khat use.
• Exclusion of patients with cirrhosis or viral hepatitis for a homogenous cohort.
• Analysis of laboratory parameters including IgG levels, R-factor for injury pattern, and autoantibodies.

Main Results:

• Sixty-three patients (98.4% male, median age 35) were included.
• Elevated IgG (>20 g/L) was observed in 61.5% of patients.
• Hepatocellular injury (R-factor >5) was present in 76.2%, with positive autoantibodies (ANA, SMA, AMA) in over 50%.

Conclusions:

• Khat-induced liver injury frequently presents with features similar to autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).
• Key indicators include elevated IgG, hepatocellular damage, and autoantibody positivity.
• Findings suggest an autoimmune-like mechanism in Khat-related hepatotoxicity.