title: Propylthiouracyl-induced severe liver toxicity: an indication for alanine aminotransferase monitoring?
abstract: Propylthiouracyl (PTU)-related liver toxicity is likely to occur in about 1% of treated patients. In case of acute or subacute hepatitis, liver failure may occur in about one third. We report two further cases of PTU-induced subacute hepatitis, in whom the delay between occurrence of liver damage after the initiation of treatment, the underestimation of its severity and the delayed withdrawal of the drug were all likely responsible for liver failure. The high incidence of liver toxicity related to PTU, its potential severity and delayed occurrence after initiation of treatment are in favor of monthly alanine aminotransferase monitoring, at least during the first six months of therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, St Luc University Hospital, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Benyounes
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sempoux
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Daumerie
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rahier
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Geubel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism*; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000209:etiology*; D011441:Propylthiouracil / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D011441:Propylthiouracil; D000410:Alanine Transaminase