Severe acute hepatitis related to hydroxychloroquine in a woman with mixed connective tissue disease

Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Jun;26(6):971-2. doi: 10.1007/s10067-006-0218-1. Epub 2006 Mar 31.

Abstract

Antimalarial drugs are used for the control of mild manifestations of autoimmune diseases due to their low toxicity. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a alpha-hydroxylated derivative of chloroquine, is usually preferred because of its higher tolerability. Mild and unspecific gastrointestinal symptoms are the main secondary effects related to HCQ use. Less than 1% of subjects show liver enzyme increase, although the percentage can be as high as 50% in subjects with chronic liver disease. A woman with mixed connective tissue disease who developed a reversible acute hepatitis shortly after the initiation of low-dose HCQ is presented. Two previous cases of patients with acute liver failure have previously been published. All three cases have been reported in the absence of previous liver disease. It seems to be a dose-dependent, idiosyncratic, and molecule-specific toxic effect and must be considered, taking into account the potential bad prognosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Chloroquine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / adverse effects*
  • Mixed Connective Tissue Disease / complications
  • Mixed Connective Tissue Disease / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Chloroquine