Propylthiouracil-induced hepatic damage.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of propylthiouracil-induced hepatic damage.


METHODS
A 64-year-old white woman with hyperthyroidism received propylthiouracil 250 mg/d for 1 year. She developed hepatitis after 1 year of therapy. Alcohol and drug abuse were ruled out and all serologic tests for hepatitis A, B, and C were negative. Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus infection were also ruled out. Antinuclear antibody, antimitochondrial antibody, and antismooth muscle antibody were negative. The clinical picture was similar to that of viral hepatitis characterized by nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. Histologic examination of a liver biopsy specimen showed chronic active hepatitis. The patient developed cirrhosis during follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Propylthiouracil is widely used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Despite its widespread use, there have been only a few reported cases of propylthiouracil-induced hepatotoxicity. The precise mechanism of the injury is unknown, although immunologic factors are suggested.


CONCLUSIONS
Hepatic damage induced by propylthiouracil is a rare complication. However, the danger of permanent hepatic damage should be kept in mind. The best way of preventing propylthiouracil hepatotoxicity is careful screening of patients considered for treatment.
Ozenírler
S
S
Department of Medicine, University of Gazi, Ankara, Turkey.
Tuncer
C
C
Boztepe
U
U
Akyol
G
G
Alkim
H
H
Cakir
N
N
Kandílć
U
U
D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000188:drug therapy; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011441:Propylthiouracil / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D011441:Propylthiouracil