[Phenprocoumon-induced liver failure].

Abstract

HISTORY: A 61-year-old woman was referred because of painless jaundice, laboratory tests having indicated hepatitis with impaired liver functions. For the past two years she had been taking phenprocoumon because she had atrial fibrillation. INVESTIGATIONS: Serological tests largely excluded infectious, autoimmune or metabolic etiology, so that the diagnosis of drug-induced hepatic disease was made. Liver biopsy showed necrotic liver cells and mild inflammatory reaction. TREATMENT AND COURSE: A perforating duodenal ulcer required urgent surgical intervention, after which liver functions further deteriorated. The patient having refused liver transplantation she was treated symptomatically (oral vitamin K. lactulose, diuretics), phenprocoumon was discontinued and her condition slowly improved. She was discharged after two months. At subsequent examination she was symptom-free, the INR was 1.41, transaminases were normal and ultrasound merely showed a slightly inhomogeneous internal structure. CONCLUSION: Phenprocoumon can cause liver damage even when the drug has been taken for prolonged periods without any problems. A careful history about previously administered drugs should be taken in any case of hepatitis of uncertain etiology.