Tetracycline-induced bile duct paucity and prolonged cholestasis.
Acute self-limited liver disease has been associated with tetracycline use. However, severe prolonged cholestatic hepatitis and bile duct paucity have not been previously attributed to tetracyclines. Hepatitis, characterized by prolonged jaundice, severe pruritus, and moderate increased transaminase values, occurred within 2 months of ingesting tetracyclines in two female patients. Serum bilirubin levels normalized 12 and 34 months after tetracycline ingestion. Liver histology revealed bile duct paucity, severe cholestasis, and minimal necrosis and inflammation. Tetracyclines may infrequently induce bile duct paucity and prolonged, severe, and reversible cholestasis.
Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
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Hunt
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Washington
D000328:Adult; D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013752:Tetracycline