title: Liver failure after Hydroxycut™ use in a patient with undiagnosed hereditary coproporphyria.
abstract: We report the case of a young male presenting with cholestatic liver failure. After an extensive workup, the etiology of the liver failure was determined to be due to hereditary coprophorphyria (HCP). The inciting event was the use of Hydroxycut™, an over-the-counter supplement to promote weight loss that has been reported to cause oxidative liver injury in vulnerable populations. Although HCP is a rare cause of cholestatic liver failure, it is treatable if diagnosed correctly and in a timely manner. In this clinical vignette, we discuss a case that highlights the genetic susceptibility to disease that can be unmasked by environmental exposures. We also review the relevant literature on Hydroxycut™ and how it can affect hepatic function.
authors: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA, stephhaimowitz@gmail.com.
authors: Stephanie
authors: S
authors: Haimowitz
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Hsieh
authors: Marina
authors: M
authors: Shcherba
authors: Yelena
authors: Y
authors: Averbukh
mesh_terms: D046349:Coproporphyria, Hereditary / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D003304:Coproporphyrinogen Oxidase / Q000235:genetics; D016368:Frameshift Mutation; D006801:Humans; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D028321:Plant Preparations; D011166:Porphyrins; C512049:hydroxycut; D003304:Coproporphyrinogen Oxidase