Methyldopa-induced immune hemolytic anemia and chronic active hepatitis.
Immune hemolytic anemia and chronic active hepatitis developed concurrently in a 76-year-old man after prolonged therapy with methyldopa. Both complications disappeared following cessation of treatment with the offending drug and a short course of a high-dose corticosteroid (prednisone). Inhibition of T-suppressor lymphocyte function by methyldopa may be instrumental in the emergence of autoimmune complications following usage of the drug.
D000368:Aged; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008750:Methyldopa / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D008750:Methyldopa; D011241:Prednisone