title: Two fatal cases of hepatitis B virus carriers after corticosteroid therapy for bronchial asthma.
abstract: We report two hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers who had liver failure after withdrawal of corticosteroids (steroids) administered for treatment of serious asthmatic attacks. Liver functions deteriorated 1 to 2 wk after withdrawal of the steroid therapy and liver failure occurred. Steroid readministration and intensive therapy for liver failure did not prevent death. An excessive immune response provoked by steroid withdrawal and decreased reserve capacity due to underlying chronic liver disease were thought to be factors in the liver failure. Caution must be exercised in the administration of steroids to patients with underlying chronic HBV infection to prevent exacerbation of hepatitis. Prompt readministration of steroids is indicated if evidence of liver failure develops.
authors.affiliation: Second Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Japan.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Koga
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kumashiro
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yasumoto
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shakado
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ono
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Noguchi
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nagata
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sata
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Abe
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kaku
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002353:Carrier State; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone