A Case of Lead Poisoning with Drug-induced Liver Injury after Ingestion of Herbal Medicine.
10.4166/kjg.2015.65.6.375
- Author:
Gi Jung JEON
1
;
Jongha PARK
;
Min Sung KIM
;
Jong Won YU
;
Jae Hyun PARK
;
Min Sik KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. neakker@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
Lead poisoning;
Toxic hepatitis;
Herbal medicine
- MeSH:
Acute Disease;
Alanine Transaminase/analysis;
Aspartate Aminotransferases/analysis;
Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/*diagnosis;
Hemoglobins/analysis;
Humans;
Lead/analysis;
*Lead Poisoning;
Liver/enzymology/metabolism;
Liver Function Tests;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Plants, Medicinal/chemistry
- From:The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology
2015;65(6):375-378
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
A 61-year-old male patient was admitted because of unexplained abdominal pain and anemia. His past medical history was unremarkable except for having taken herbal medicine to treat facial palsy two months ago. The result of health examination performed about a month ago showed increased serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase level, and he was diagnosed with toxic hepatitis by herbal medicine. When the patient presented to the outpatient department three weeks ago, follow-up liver function test results showed improvement but he complained of abdominal pain. Despite extensive blood chemistry tests and computed tomography, the cause of pain could not be found. After much deliberation, serum lead level and herbal medicines analysis was performed based on the fact that he took herbal medicine two months ago, and he could finally be diagnosed with lead poisoning. Since the serum lead level was high enough to be indicated for lead chelating therapy, conservative management was given. When a patient with toxic hepatitis due to herbal medication presents with abdominal pain, the possibility of lead poisoning should always be taken into consideration.
