title: A case with hepatic fibrosis showing ascites and esophageal varices induced by oral UFT(R) administration.
abstract: An 81-year-old male patient developed hepatic fibrosis with ascites and esophageal varices 4 years after oral administration of UFT(R) as postoperative adjuvant therapy for lung cancer. Although serum transaminase levels remained normal during follow-up periods, ascites developed 3 years after the treatment, and disappeared rapidly after the cessation of UFT(R), but recurred by accidental readministration of UFT(R). Serum markers for hepatitis viruses, various auto antibodies and a history of alcoholic abuse were all negative. Liver biopsy showed mild to moderate hepatic fibrosis without hepatocellular necrosis. Serum levels of N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen, 7S fragment of type IV collagen and hyaluronic acid were elevated at diagnosis and decreased after the discontinuation of UFT(R). Esophageal varices were also improved. These findings suggest that hepatic fibrosis can be induced by oral administration of UFT(R) and that serum fibrogenesis/fibrosis markers are useful for early diagnosis of UFT(R)-induced hepatic fibrosis.
authors.affiliation: Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 683--8504, Yonago, Japan
authors.forename: Takeaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Suou
authors.forename: Kiwamu
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Jun ichi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Okano
authors.forename: Goshi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shiota
authors.forename: Yutaka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Horie
authors.forename: Yasushi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Horie
authors.forename: Hironaka
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kawasaki