[Variability of the clinical expression of Ecstasy-induced hepatotoxicity]

Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2002 Oct;25(8):497-500. doi: 10.1016/s0210-5705(02)70299-9.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an amphetamine derivative, known as ecstasy. Because of its euphoric effects, the use of this substance as a drug of abuse is becoming increasingly widespread. The development of hyperthermia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, cardiac arrhythmia and neurotoxicity have been described in association with the use of this drug. Moreover, in the last few years, cases of liver involvement, associated or not with the above-mentioned entities, have been described, ranging from mild acute hepatitis to fulminant hepatic failure and death. We present four cases of ecstasy-induced hepatotoxicity. Outcome was favorable in three patients while the fourth required liver transplantation. Consequently, ecstasy ingestion should be ruled out as a cause of acute non-viral hepat

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / chemically induced
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / blood
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / diagnosis
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / pathology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / surgery
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Fever / chemically induced
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Male
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / adverse effects*
  • Vomiting / chemically induced

Substances

  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine