title: Fulminant hepatitis during self-medication with conjugated linoleic acid.
abstract: The present report describes a 63-year-old female who presented with fulminant hepatic failure requiring liver transplantation caused by a weight loss dietary supplement containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Thorough investigation, including liver biopsy, revealed no other cause of hepatotoxicity. In the last few years, a considerable number of reports have been published on toxic hepatitis, associated with non-conventional products, attributed with weight-reducing properties. We emphasize the importance of taking a cautious approach when consuming herbal supplements for the purpose of weight loss, as all that is "natural" may not always be healthy. Only one report of CLA-induced toxic hepatitis is related in the medical literature.
authors.affiliation: Medical Department, Garcia de Orta Hospital, Almada, Portugal. ritanortadas@msn.com
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nortadas
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Barata
mesh_terms: D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D044243:Linoleic Acids, Conjugated / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008875:Middle Aged; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D044243:Linoleic Acids, Conjugated