Erythromycin base-induced rash and liver function disturbances.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of erythromycin base-induced rash and liver function disturbances.


METHODS
A patient with erythema nodosum and high antistreptolysin-O titers was treated with erythromycin on the assumption that occult streptococcal infection was the cause of the erythema nodosum. Forty-eight hours after the initiation of therapy the patient developed fever, severe generalized rash, pruritus, and cholestatic and hepatocellular liver function disturbances. Extensive evaluation to determine the cause of liver function disturbances was unrevealing. Marked improvement was noticed within days after cessation of erythromycin.


CONCLUSIONS
Case reports in the literature on the adverse effects of erythromycin and its derivatives were reviewed. The possible immunologic mechanism involved is postulated.


CONCLUSIONS
Erythromycin base must be added to the list of erythromycin derivatives that can cause rash and liver function disturbances. The concomitant appearance of fever, rash, jaundice, and liver function disturbances raises the possibility of hypersensitivity as the mechanism for the liver disturbances.
Department of Internal Medicine D, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
H
H
Shirin
J M
JM
Schapiro
N
N
Arber
J
J
Pinkhas
Y
Y
Sidi
F
F
Salomon
D000328:Adult; D002243:Carbolines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D008111:Liver Function Tests
D002243:Carbolines; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D004917:Erythromycin; C025079:diazoline