Acute drug induced hepatitis secondary to a weight loss product purchased over the internet.
BACKGROUND
Many people now seek alternative methods of weight loss. The internet provides a readily available source of weight reduction products, the ingredients of which are often unclear. The authors describe a case of acute hepatitis in a 20 year old woman caused by such a product purchased over the internet.


METHODS
A 20-year old woman presented with a two day history of abdominal pain, vomiting and jaundice. There were no identifiable risk factors for chronic liver disease. Liver function tests demonstrated an acute hepatitis (aminoaspartate transaminase 1230 IU/L). A chronic liver disease screen was negative. The patient had started a weight loss product (Pro-Lean), purchased over the internet two weeks prior to presentation. The patient was treated conservatively, and improved. The sequence of events suggests an acute hepatitis caused by an herbal weight loss product.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report highlights the dangers of weight loss products available to the public over the internet, and the importance of asking specifically about alternative medicines in patients who present with an acute hepatitis.
Joshi
Deepak
D
The Whittington Hospital, Highgate Hill, London, UK. djosh78@hotmail.com
Cross
Tim J S
TJ
Wong
Voi Shim
VS
D015746:Abdominal Pain; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007565:Jaundice; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014839:Vomiting; D015431:Weight Loss
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D028321:Plant Preparations