Related Experiment Videos
Reversible hepatotoxicity related to amphotericin B
Canadian Medical Association Journal
|November 15, 1984
Summary
Amphotericin B, used for fungal pneumonia, can cause rare liver damage. This case shows reversible liver function test elevations in an acute myelogenous leukemia patient, even at lower doses upon re-administration.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Amphotericin B is a critical antifungal agent.
- Hepatotoxicity is a known, albeit rare, adverse effect.
- Acute myelogenous leukemia patients are susceptible to fungal infections.
Observation:
- A patient with acute myelogenous leukemia developed fungal pneumonia.
- High-dose amphotericin B therapy was initiated.
- Asymptomatic elevations in liver function tests (LFTs) were observed during treatment.
Findings:
- Liver function tests, including alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, LDH, and bilirubin, normalized after discontinuing amphotericin B.
- Re-challenging with a lower dose of amphotericin B led to rapid LFT elevations.
- Withdrawal of the drug again resulted in normalization of LFTs.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for amphotericin B-induced hepatotoxicity, even at reduced doses.
- Careful monitoring of liver function is crucial during amphotericin B therapy.
- The findings suggest a direct, dose-dependent relationship between amphotericin B and liver injury.