A Pediatric Case of Toxic Hepatitis Induced by Hovenia Dulcis.
10.5223/pghn.2012.15.2.111
- Author:
Yun Ji KIM
1
;
Seung Lok RYU
;
Jae Won SHIM
;
Duk Soo KIM
;
Jung Yeon SHIM
;
Moon Soo PARK
;
Hye Lim JUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, Sungkyunkwan University School of medicine, Seoul, Korea. hl.jung@samsung.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Toxic hepatitis;
Hovenia dulcis;
Children
- MeSH:
Biomarkers;
Child;
Dietary Supplements;
Drug-Induced Liver Injury;
Early Diagnosis;
Hepatitis;
Humans;
Jaundice;
Korea;
Liver;
Liver Failure, Acute;
Liver Transplantation;
Medicine, East Asian Traditional;
Nausea;
Preschool Child;
Water
- From:Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
2012;15(2):111-116
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Toxic hepatitis is a rare but devastating disease in children. Herbs are widely used in oriental medicine to treat various symptoms in Korea, however, several herbs have been reported to induce liver injury. We report a case of toxic hepatitis induced by Hovenia dulcis in a 3-year-old boy. He complained of nausea, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice. The patient had consumed water boiled with hovenia dulcis for about 1 year prior to presentation. A diagnosis of toxic hepatitis was made based on his history, laboratory data, viral markers, ultrasonography, and biopsied liver tissue. We administered supportive management for acute fulminant hepatitis but his symptoms and liver function progressed. He was transferred to another hospital for further evaluation and consideration for liver transplantation. Because acute liver failure due to herbs or dietary supplement taken for a long time is often fetal, it is important to make early diagnosis and stop taking the drug as soon as drug induced liver injury is suspected.
