Fatal fulminant hepatitis following administration of clarithromycin in a patient chronically treated with antipsycotic drugs.
BACKGROUND
Clarithromycin is a widely used antibiotic, especially prescribed for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, The drug is generally well tolerated. It is described as a very rare cause of fulminant liver failure.


METHODS
Herein we report a case of fatal fulminant hepatitis in a young patient. In his past history the patient presented documented episodes of hypertransaminasemia.


CONCLUSIONS
This case confirms that clarithromycin although very rarely, can be a cause of fulminant hepatitis, especially in patients with pre-existing liver damage. Although the presumption that clarithromycin hepatotoxicity is dose related is reasonable, an immune-toxicologic hypothesis cannot be excluded.
Clinic of Infectious Disease, University Hospital, Bari, Italy.
Paolo
P
Maggi
Biagio
B
Solarino
Paola
P
Cassano
Lucia
L
Tattoli
Armando
A
Leone
Eloisa
E
Maselli
Gioacchino
G
Angarano
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D055815:Young Adult
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D017291:Clarithromycin