Concurrent severe hepatotoxicity and agranulocytosis induced by Polygonum multiflorum: A case report

Background: Various types of drug-induced liver injury are induced by Polygonum multiflorum (PM); however, it rarely causes neutropenia. Herein, we report the case of a 65-year-old woman with concurrent severe hepatotoxicity and agranulocytosis induced by PM.

Case summary: A 65-year-old woman reported with severe hepatotoxicity and agranulocytosis 17 d after ingestion of PM. The results of the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method demonstrated a highly probable relationship between hepatotoxicity and PM, with a total score of 10. The Naranjo algorithm results indicated that agranulocytosis had a probable relationship with PM, with an overall score of 6. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (for once), a steroid, compound glycyrrhizin, and polyene phosphatidylcholine therapy were initiated. After 15 d of treatment, there was a gradual improvement in liver biochemistry, leukocytes, and neutrophils levels.

Conclusion: Concurrent hepatotoxicity and agranulocytosis are rare and critical adverse drug reactions of PM, which should be highly valued.