Cholestatic jaundice associated with captopril therapy. 1991

L Crantock, and R Prentice, and L Powell
Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Australia.

Captopril has attained widespread use as an effective agent in the treatment of heart failure and hypertension. Dermatological, renal and haematological toxicity associated with its use has been widely described and is usually well recognized. There have been comparatively few reports implicating it as causing hepatic drug reactions. Most descriptions have emphasized strongly cholestatic features, although a mixed hepatocellular cholestatic picture and predominant hepatocellular reactions have been reported. Between November 1972 and June 1990 only five cases of possible Captopril-associated hepatic dysfunction were reported to the Australian Adverse Drug Reaction Advisory Committee. Cases reported suggest equal sex distribution, latent period to development of abnormality between 1 week and 20 months, with slow resolution of jaundice and biochemical abnormality from 1 week to 6 months after withdrawal of the drug. One case of hepatic coma and death with massive acute hepatic necrosis on biopsy has been reported. Not uncommonly the accompanying systemic features suggest a syndrome of drug hypersensitivity. We report a case of Captopril-induced cholestatic jaundice in which the abnormality occurred 2 weeks after commencement of the drug and resolved slowly upon discontinuation. The case illustrates two important points: first, the importance of taking a full history, obtaining detailed information about previous drug administration in patients admitted with jaundice; and second, in the case of Captopril-induced liver disease, the jaundice may persist for many weeks after drug withdrawal.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D006973 Hypertension Persistently high systemic arterial BLOOD PRESSURE. Based on multiple readings (BLOOD PRESSURE DETERMINATION), hypertension is currently defined as when SYSTOLIC PRESSURE is consistently greater than 140 mm Hg or when DIASTOLIC PRESSURE is consistently 90 mm Hg or more. Blood Pressure, High,Blood Pressures, High,High Blood Pressure,High Blood Pressures
D008099 Liver A large lobed glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates that is responsible for detoxification, metabolism, synthesis and storage of various substances. Livers
D002216 Captopril A potent and specific inhibitor of PEPTIDYL-DIPEPTIDASE A. It blocks the conversion of ANGIOTENSIN I to ANGIOTENSIN II, a vasoconstrictor and important regulator of arterial blood pressure. Captopril acts to suppress the RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM and inhibits pressure responses to exogenous angiotensin. (S)-1-(3-Mercapto-2-methyl-1-oxopropyl)-L-proline,Capoten,Lopirin,SQ-14,225,SQ-14,534,SQ-14225,SQ-14534,SQ 14,225,SQ 14,534,SQ 14225,SQ 14534,SQ14,225,SQ14,534,SQ14225,SQ14534
D002780 Cholestasis, Intrahepatic Impairment of bile flow due to injury to the HEPATOCYTES; BILE CANALICULI; or the intrahepatic bile ducts (BILE DUCTS, INTRAHEPATIC). Bile Duct Obstruction, Intrahepatic,Biliary Stasis, Intrahepatic,Intrahepatic Cholestasis,Biliary Stases, Intrahepatic,Cholestases, Intrahepatic,Intrahepatic Biliary Stases,Intrahepatic Biliary Stasis,Intrahepatic Cholestases
D005260 Female Females
D006333 Heart Failure A heterogeneous condition in which the heart is unable to pump out sufficient blood to meet the metabolic need of the body. Heart failure can be caused by structural defects, functional abnormalities (VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION), or a sudden overload beyond its capacity. Chronic heart failure is more common than acute heart failure which results from sudden insult to cardiac function, such as MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION. Cardiac Failure,Heart Decompensation,Congestive Heart Failure,Heart Failure, Congestive,Heart Failure, Left-Sided,Heart Failure, Right-Sided,Left-Sided Heart Failure,Myocardial Failure,Right-Sided Heart Failure,Decompensation, Heart,Heart Failure, Left Sided,Heart Failure, Right Sided,Left Sided Heart Failure,Right Sided Heart Failure
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000368 Aged A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available. Elderly
D000369 Aged, 80 and over Persons 80 years of age and older. Oldest Old
D001706 Biopsy Removal and pathologic examination of specimens from the living body. Biopsies

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