Sertraline hepatotoxicity: a case report and review of the literature on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor hepatotoxicity

Dig Dis Sci. 2003 May;48(5):939-44. doi: 10.1023/a:1023007831047.

Abstract

The causal role of sertraline in rare cases of liver failure in patients taking the drug has not been proven in a manner consistent with usually accepted standards. We describe an individual who developed clinically significant hepatitis while being treated with sertraline. This case is significant because it is the only one of which we are aware in which the diagnosis of sertraline hepatotoxicity was confirmed when inadvertent rechallenge with the medication resulted in recurrent hepatitis. We review this case and the general role of this widely prescribed class of drugs in causing hepatitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hepatitis / etiology*
  • Hepatitis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Risk Assessment
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Sertraline / adverse effects*
  • Sertraline / therapeutic use
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Sertraline