[Acute cholestatic hepatitis induced by propylthiouracil. Case report]

Arq Gastroenterol. 2000 Apr-Jun;37(2):129-32. doi: 10.1590/s0004-28032000000200011.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Propylthiouracil is widely used to treat patients with hyperthyroidism. However, propylthiouracil-induced hepatitis is an uncommon entity. The case of a 15-year-old boy treated with propylthiouracil for hyperthyroidism who developed a cholestatic acute hepatitis is reported. Viral, metabolic and autoimmune liver diseases were excluded and liver biopsy showed a pattern suggestive of drug-induced cholestatic hepatitis. After discontinuing the drug, there was a progressive resolution of symptoms and normalization of liver biochemical tests. Despite its rarity, patients receiving propylthiouracil are exposed to develop severe hepatotoxicity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Antithyroid Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antithyroid Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / pathology
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / chemically induced*
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / drug therapy
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Male
  • Propylthiouracil / adverse effects*
  • Propylthiouracil / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Propylthiouracil