α-Methyldopa-induced hepatitis during the postpartum period

BMJ Case Rep. 2014 Feb 27:2014:bcr2014203712. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2014-203712.

Abstract

A 34-year-old woman, with a history of pre-eclampsia, was diagnosed with α-methyldopa-induced hepatotoxicity, after she presented with severe jaundice and hepatitis 8 weeks following delivery. Laboratory investigations and liver biopsy ruled out other causes of hepatitis. She continued to improve clinically after cessation of α-methyldopa, and was discharged 10 days after admission. This case report emphasises that it may not be possible to predict which patients may develop α-methyldopa-induced hepatitis, hence regular monitoring of liver function tests during treatment should be implemented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antihypertensive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / diagnosis
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methyldopa / adverse effects*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pre-Eclampsia / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Methyldopa