Acute liver failure following intravenous methamphetamine

Vet Hum Toxicol. 2002 Aug;44(4):216-7.

Abstract

A 41-y-o Pakistani man presented with psychosis, hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, and liver dysfunction approximately 6 h after i.v. injection of methamphetamine. Serum concentrations of methamphetamine and amphetamine on admission were 0.30 microg/mL and 0.04 microg/mL, respectively. Total serum bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase concentrations peaked on the 3rd hospital day at 8.6 mg/dL and 4155 IU/L, respectively, and gradually returned to normal with supportive care. The patient had no evidence of infectious hepatitis or intake of other drugs. Histologic examination of a liver biopsy specimen obtained on the 11th d showed confluent necrosis and ballooning degeneration in centrilobular zones. No inflammatory changes were seen in portal tracts. Liver damage can be a complication of illicit methamphetamine use, even in patients without viral infection or intake of other drugs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / administration & dosage
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects*
  • Fever / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure, Acute / chemically induced*
  • Liver Failure, Acute / pathology
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine / administration & dosage
  • Methamphetamine / adverse effects*
  • Necrosis
  • Rhabdomyolysis / chemically induced

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methamphetamine