title: Lycopodium similiaplex-induced acute hepatitis: a case report.
abstract: A 46-year-old woman was admitted to our department with symptoms of nausea, anorexia and asthenia. Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were increased; all serological tests for viral hepatitis and autoimmune disorders were negative. She had taken Lycopodium similiaplex solution as sedative for the previous 8 weeks, whose two constituents, Lycopodium serratum and Chelidonium majus, are found to be potentially toxic. After discontinuing L. similiaplex use, liver values returned to normal and she was asymptomatic. The diagnosis was definitively confirmed by liver biopsy; on the basis of the histological specimen, a hypersensitivity reaction was hypothesized as a possible pathogenic mechanism. Hepatotoxicity of phytotherapy has already been described, although so far, the true incidence and the pathogenic mechanisms are largely unknown. It is important to increase awareness of both clinicians and patients about the potential dangers of herbal remedies; surveillance systems and quality control of these products are necessary.
authors.affiliation: Infectious Diseases Unit, Mater Salutis Hospital, Legnago, Verona, Italy. contiem@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Conti
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Checchi
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mencarelli
authors.forename: Samuela
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pinato
authors.forename: Pierangelo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rovere
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D001706:Biopsy; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D032502:Lycopodium / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts