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Azathioprine hepatotoxicity after liver transplantation
Author(s) -
Sterneck Martina,
Wiesner Russell,
Ascher Nancy,
Roberts John,
Ferrell Linda,
Ludwig Jurgen,
Lake John
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.488
H-Index - 361
eISSN - 1527-3350
pISSN - 0270-9139
DOI - 10.1002/hep.1840140511
Subject(s) - azathioprine , medicine , centrilobular necrosis , liver transplantation , gastroenterology , transplantation , jaundice , necrosis , pathology , disease
We report the first two cases of apparent azathioprine hepatotoxicity occurring after liver transplantation. The two patients exhibited jaundice, elevated serum transaminase activities and histopathological features of sinusoidal congestion and centrilobular hepatocellular degeneration 17 and 61 days after transplantation. After withdrawal of azathioprine, liver test results improved immediately in both patients. Recurrence of liver injury after another challenge with azathioprine was seen in the first case. Previously, fatal venoocclusive disease occurring after kidney transplantation had been attributed to azathioprine. Irreversible venoocclusive disease and the reversible hepatotoxicity described in this report (i.e., sinusoidal congestion with centrizonal necrosis) most likely represent different stages of hepatic endotheliitis caused by azathioprine. Thus early diagnosis of azathioprine hepatotoxicity is of great importance. (H EPATOLOGY 1991;14:806–810).