Methasteron-associated cholestatic liver injury: clinicopathologic findings in 5 cases.
OBJECTIVE
Methasteron is a nutritional supplement used to increase weight or accelerate the build-up of muscle mass. The aim of this study was to describe 5 cases of hepatotoxicity in patients using methasteron seen at tertiary-care medical centers.


METHODS
A case report design was used.


RESULTS
Five previously healthy patients who used methasteron developed jaundice 2 weeks after discontinuation; they presented to a tertiary-care medical center 2 weeks later. Within another 2 to 3 weeks, bilirubin levels peaked. About 12 weeks after initial presentation, all cases resolved with no identifiable residual hepatic dysfunction.


CONCLUSIONS
Methasteron use can result in severe hepatotoxicity. Liver failure can worsen after initial presentation, especially within 2 weeks. With close observation and supportive care, acute hepatic injury should resolve.
Shah
Neeral L
NL
Department of Gastroenterology, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts 01805, USA.
Zacharias
Isabel
I
Khettry
Urmila
U
Afdhal
Nezam
N
Gordon
Fredric D
FD
D000328:Adult; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D002780:Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications*; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D041781:Jaundice, Obstructive / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male
D001663:Bilirubin