Hepatotoxicity after high-dose methylprednisolone for demyelinating disease

Clin Neuropharmacol. 2010 Jan-Feb;33(1):52-4. doi: 10.1097/WNF.0b013e3181bbf3a7.

Abstract

Liver toxicity, although not mentioned among the possible adverse effects of corticosteroids, has been occasionally reported in literature. We observed 2 cases of hepatotoxicity after a high-dose methylprednisolone treatment of a demyelinating disease and evaluated the potential relationship in the light of available evidence. The first patient developed a histologically documented acute hepatitis and recovered after 3 weeks. In the second patient, a mild augmentation of liver enzymes occurred, followed by normalization in a few days. The causal relationship between hepatotoxicity and methylprednisolone treatment was deemed probable in both cases. Careful review of the literature suggests that corticosteroid-induced liver damage may be more frequent than commonly believed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Demyelinating Diseases / drug therapy
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / adverse effects*
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Methylprednisolone