[Acute cytolytic hepatitis caused by coumarin. 2 cases]

Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 1997;21(3):223-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Coumarin is a drug which is extensively used to treat lymphedema. We report two cases of acute hepatitis probably due to coumarin. Two women, 40 year and 45 year-old, were treated with 90 mg/d of coumarin for 5 months. Clinical features included jaundice, pruritus, and diarrhea. A marked increase in serum aminotransferases was observed (ALT: 30 and 100 times the upper limit of normal, respectively). Coumarin withdrawal was rapidly followed by a favorable outcome in both cases. Rechallenge in one case induced a relapse of symptoms and liver test abnormalities. Coumarin can induce acute cytolytic hepatitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Coumarins / adverse effects*
  • Coumarins / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Venous Insufficiency / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Coumarins
  • coumarin