Prolonged cholestasis and progressive hepatic fibrosis following imipramine therapy

Gastroenterology. 1980 Sep;79(3):550-4.

Abstract

This report describes a middle-aged female who received imipramine for 7 days, developed severe cholestatic jaundice with features similar to primary biliary cirrhosis, and then improved clinically over the next 12 mo. Biochemical and histologic abnormalities persisted over a 14-yr period of follow-up, though subsequent administration of haloperidol may have influenced the long-term course. High levels of circulating immune complexes were also found 14 yr later, which raises questions about the relationship of primary biliary cirrhosis to drug-induced liver injury. A review of the literature on imipramine- and phenothiazine-related hepatic injuries reveals multiple similarities, and this case provides further evidence for a common hepatic reaction to the two drugs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antigen-Antibody Complex
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Imipramine / adverse effects*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / chemically induced*
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antigen-Antibody Complex
  • Imipramine