1.Idarucizumab for reversal of dabigatran etexilate-induced gastrointestinal bleeding
Qi LIN ; Shujie DONG ; Lei LI ; Kun WANG ; Junbao SHI ; Li YANG
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(1):53-55
An 82-year-old female patient with atrial fibrillation and heart failure was treated with dabigatran etexilate 110 mg twice daily for 6 years. Two months ago, the patient′s lower limb edema was aggravated and urine output was reduced. Considering the worsening of the patient′s heart failure, torasemide tablets and spironolactone tablets were given, but her symptoms were not improved. Two days ago, the patient had scattered petechiae on the whole skin, tarry stools, and reduced urine (200 ml daily). Laboratory tests showed hemoglobin (Hb) 63 g/l, prothrombin time (PT) 39.5 s, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) 117.2 s, thrombin time (TT) >300 s, and international normalized ratio (INR) 3.64; the fibrinogen (Fib) could not be measured. Coagulation dysfunction and gastrointestinal bleeding caused by dabigatran etexilate were considered. Dabigatran etexilate was discontinued, and intravenous infusion of idarucizumab injection (2.5 g) was given twice. Then gastrointestinal bleeding in the patient disappeared and laboratory tests showed PT 12.7 s, APTT 42.4 s, TT 18.8 s, INR 1.18, and Fib 2.67 g/L. After 8 days, the patient′s cardiac function was improved, the skin ecchymosis subsided, and laboratory tests showed Hb 84 g/L, PT 14 s, APTT 37.8 s, TT 41.2 s, INR 1.3, Fib 2.26 g/L, and negative fecal occult blood test.
2.Gastric retention and ketoacidosis induced by combined use of semaglutide and empagliflozin
Yun LU ; Fang CAO ; Zhenghe TANG
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(1):56-58
A 35-year-old male patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus was treated with metformin and dapagliflozin orally for a long time. Due to poor glycemic control and overweight, the treatment was adjusted to subcutaneous injection of semaglutide 0.25 mg once a week plus 1 metformin and empagliflozin tablet orally twice daily. The patient experienced abdominal bloating and significant satiety after the first dose, which did not attract attention, and metformin and empagliflozin tablets were not discontinued. Three days later, he developed persistent epigastric pain, and laboratory tests indicated blood ketone body (β-hydroxybutyrate) 4.70 mmol/L. Despite treatments with lansoprazole, anisodamine, metoclopramide, and dezocine, the symptoms was not alleviated. Gastrointestinal decompression was performed, which led to a slight improvement in abdominal pain. An immediate abdominal CT scan revealed gastric retention. The patient′s gastric retention was considered to be associated with the administration of semaglutide. The following day′s laboratory tests indicated carbon dioxide combining power 2.36 mmol/L, suggesting the occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis, which was hypothesized to be related to empagliflozin. The original hypoglycemic regimen was discontinued, insulin pump therapy was given with blood glucose level monitoring, and fasting, gastrointestinal decompression, fluid resuscitation, and acid suppression was applied. The patient′s symptoms were significantly improved, and the ketone body levels gradually decreased. After 3 days of treatments, the patient began to eat, and after 6 days, he returned to a normal diet without further abdominal pain or bloating. The ketone body levels and carbon dioxide combining power returned to normal, and the hypoglycemic regimen was adjusted to lispro insulin plus acarbose.
3.Research progress on risk of major adverse cardiovascular events associated with Janus kinase inhibitors in treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases
Danjie ZHAO ; Yuan BIAN ; Qi'nan YIN ; Yi WANG ; Peng TANG ; Lizhu HAN
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(1):44-49
Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are a kind of small molecule targeted drugs used to treat a variety of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases by inhibiting the excessive response of a variety of cytokines. Currently, JAKi has shown good clinical efficacy, but it also has risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The specific mechanism of JAKi-caused MACE is still unclear. This paper reviews the pharmacological molecular mechanisms and classification of JAKi and the research progress of MACE related to the JAKi (tolvaptan, baricitinib, ruxolitinib, upadacitinib, and abrocitinib) that have been approved for marketing in China. The risk factors that lead to MACE, including age, combined cardiovascular disease and inflammatory diseases, types of JAKi, dosage forms, and treatment duration are analyzed, so as to provide reference for the clinical rational use of JAKi and better prevention of MACE related to JAKi.
4.Severe liver injury induced by Tongtian oral solution(通天口服液) combined with Yangxue Qingnao pills(养血清脑丸)
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(1):50-52
A 46-year-old female patient received Tongtian oral solution 10 ml thrice daily combined with Yangxue Qingnao pills 2.5 g thrice daily for migraine. After 10 days of treatments, the patient developed yellow urine. After 12 days of treatments, the patient stopped using Tongtian oral solution by herself. After continuing to take Yangxue Qingnao pills for 5 days, the patient developed symptoms of yellowish skin and sclera, and 10 days later, Yangxue Qingnao pills were discontinued by herself. The next day of discontinuing the Yangxue Qingnao pills, the patient experienced abdominal distension. The laboratory tests showed alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 1 454 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 1 429 U/L, gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) 290 U/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 176 U/L, total bilirubin (TBil) 94.2 μmol/L, and total bile acid (TBA) 365.9 μmol/L. Based on the patient′s medical history, laboratory test results, and auxiliary examinations, drug-induced liver injury was diagnosed, which might be related to Tongtian oral solution and Yangxue Qingnao pills. After one week of Yangxue Qingnao pills withdrawal, the patient′s symptoms of yellowish skin and sclera were improved and urine color became lighter, with ALT 495 U/L, AST 202 U/L, GGT 181 U/L, ALP 120 U/L, TBil 24.6 μmol/L, and TBA 15.6 μmol/L. After 7 days of treatments such as magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate, hepatocyte growth-promoting factor, and ademetionine, the patient′s condition was significantly improved. The above-mentioned drugs were discontinued and switched to bicyclol 25 mg thrice daily orally. Eight days later, the patient′s liver function indicators had basically returned to normal.
5.Comparative study on application efficacy of different surveillance methods in postmarketing safety evaluation of group A and C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine
Xiaowen SHI ; Chang LI ; Wenjian FANG ; Lin DU
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(5):288-295
Objective:To compare and analyze the application efficacy of active surveillance versus passive surveillance in post-marketing safety monitoring of the group A and C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine(MPSV-AC).Methods:Safety data for MPSV-AC from its market launch in November 2011 to June 2024 were collected from Beijing Zhifei Lyuzhu Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and categorized into active and passive surveillance data based on acquisition methods. Active surveillance data were derived from adverse events cases observed in the company′s phase Ⅳ clinical trial. Passive surveillance data were carried out by the Pharmacovigilance Department through the drug adverse reaction direct reporting system, which downloaded all adverse events following immunization(AEFI) case reports. Cases of adverse events under active surveillance that were "definitely related", "probably related", "possibly related", or "possibly unrelated" were classified as adverse reaction cases, and cases of passive surveillance that were classified as "general reaction" or "abnormal reaction" were classified as adverse reaction cases, and were counted according to the number of cases. For cases where different clinical manifestations of adverse reactions or preferred terminology were present in the same one patient, the number was counted separately. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to describe the incidence of adverse reaction reports, the distribution of clinical manifestations, adverse reactions recorded and not recorded in the instructions and adverse reactions outcomes of two monitoring methods. The differences in the incidence of reported adverse reactions between active and passive surveillance were compared and analysed.Results:A total of 922 patients with MPSV-AC adverse reaction reports were obtained through two monitoring modes, and 1 308 adverse reactions were occurred. In the active surveillance, the number of vaccination doses was 9 999, and 579 patients with adverse reactions were reported with 911 adverse reactions. In the passive surveillance, the number of vaccination doses was 4 185 800, and 343 patients with adverse reactions were reported with 397 adverse reactions. The incidence of reported adverse reactions in the passive surveillance was lower than in the active surveillance, and the difference was statistically significant [0.008% (343/4 185 800) vs. 5.791% (579/9 999), P<0.001]. The age range for active surveillance was ≥2 to<7 years old; the age range of passive surveillance was 0-15 years old, with the highest proportion of those aged ≥2 to<7 years old [79.30% (273/343)]. The clinical manifestation that topped the composition ratio of major adverse reactions for both surveillanceme thods was fever, but systemic symptoms such as malaise and anorexia were more frequently reported in active surveillance, whereas signs visible on the surface such as allergic rash, erythema and hard nodules were reported in passive surveillance. The proportion of serious adverse reactions from active surveillance was 0.22%(2/922), which were upper respiratory tract infection and febrile convulsions. Of the adverse reactions not included in the specification, those from active surveillance mainly involved infections and invasive diseases [77.32% (75/97)], and those from passive surveillance mainly involved diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissues(6/12). All 579 patients in the active surveillance adverse reaction reports were monitored until cured; in the passive surveillance, 199 cases (50.13%, 199/397) were cured, 168 cases (42.32%, 168/397) were improved, and 30 cases (7.56%, 30/397) were unknown. Conclusions:Active surveillance is irreplaceable for postmarketing safety evaluation of vaccines, as it comprehensively captures safety signals, indicating good safety of MPSV-AC. A multi-source data integration platform could be established in the future.
6.Risk and prevention of perioperative pulmonary aspiration caused by delayed gastric emptying associated with semaglutide
Wenxin XUE ; Tianlong HAO ; Wei CHEN ; Jingxin WANG ; Keming CAO
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(5):308-312
Semaglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), which is commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and weight loss. Its weight loss effect was exerted mainly by suppressing appetite, delaying gastric emptying, promoting energy metabolism, and accelerating lipolysis. However, delayed gastric emptying can lead to residual gastric content, increasing the risk of pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia. This article reviews the effects and mechanisms of semaglutide on gastric emptying, and proposes preventive measures for perioperative pulmonary aspiration in patients treated with semaglutide by reviewing case reports and clinical studies on semaglutide-related delayed gastric emptying. This provides a reference for the safety of semaglutide treatment during the perio- perative period.
7.Acute kidney injury caused by Jingyaokang capsules (颈腰康胶囊)
Yanlong QIU ; Min HUANG ; Xiudong LI ; Jinyan LIU
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(5):313-315
A 66-year-old female patient self-administered Jingyaokang capsules (a compound preparation of traditional Chinese medicines, 3 capsules thrice daily orally) due to lumbar pain. The patient developed oliguria and edema of bilateral lower limbs after 3 doses of medication on the same day. The laboratory tests showed WBC 7.3×10 9/L, neutrophil percentage 0.70, blood urea 12.7 mmol/L, blood crea- tinine 179 μmol/L, and blood uric acid 461 μmol/L. The kidney function tests 15 days ago showed no abnormalities in the patient. Acute kidney injury caused by Jingyaokang capsules was considered. The drug was stopped and symptomatic treatments including torasemide and maintenance of fluid balance were given. The patient′s urine output gradually increased. Five days later, the patient′s edema of bilateral lower limbs disappeared, and her blood urea and creatinine decreased to normal range. The acute kidney injury in the patient may be related to strychni semen component in the Jingyaokang capsules.
8.Autoimmune encephalitis induced by sintilimab
Quan WANG ; Junwu ZHAO ; Wei FANG ; Jinfeng LI
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(5):315-317
A 61-year-old female patient was treated with sintilimab (200 mg by intravenous infusion on the first day, 21 days as a cycle) for lung adenocarcinoma and multiple lymph node metastases in the left hilum and mediastinum (10 cycles in total). Headache and dizziness in the patient occurred about 1 month after the last medication. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed white blood cell count 14×10 6/L, total protein 799.8 mg/L, Pandy′s test (+), immunoglobulin G 70.8 mg/L, and glucose and chloride within the reference value range. The antibodies against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in cerebrospinal fluid and serum were all positive. The patient was diagnosed as having sintilimab-induced autoimmune encephalitis. After receiving methylprednisolone sodium succinate by intravenous infusion for 7 days, the patient′s headache and dizziness were alleviated. After that, the methylprednisolone sodium succinate was switched to oral prednisone acetate tablets. At a 2-month follow-up, no symptoms of headache or dizziness recurred in the patient.
9.Endometrial hyperplasia and severe anemia induced by toremifene
Bao LI ; Jie LI ; Xiubo SUN ; Ling YU
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(5):318-320
A 42-year-old female patient received toremifene 60 mg orally once daily for 5 years after breast cancer surgery. She had a regular menstrual cycle and no history of abnormal bleeding. For more than 1 month, she experienced irregular vaginal bleeding, which worsened for 3 days. The transvaginal color doppler ultrasound revealed endometrial thickening, and laboratory tests showed red blood cell count 1.8×10 12/L and hemoglobin 35 g/L. The clinical diagnosis was abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial thickening, and severe anemia. Symptomatic and supportive treatments, such as hemocoagulase, human erythropoietin, oxytocin, cefuroxime, and blood transfusion were given immediately. Civen the suspicion that toremifene-induced endometrial hyperplasia was the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, toremifene was discontinued the following day. The symptomatic treatments (including blood transfusion) were continued, and iron supplementation was given. On the third day after discontinuation of toremifene, the patient underwent diagnostic hysteroscopic curettage. The postoperative pathological examination showed endometrial hyperplasia. The next day, the patient had no significant vaginal bleeding, with red blood cell count 3.6×10 12/L and hemoglobin 93 g/L. Reexamination at 4 weeks revealed red blood cell count 4.3×10 12/L and hemoglobin 135 g/L.
10.Study on role of glutathione peroxidase 4-dependent ferroptosis in diclofenac-induced injury of human kidney tubular epithelial cells
Shuifang CHEN ; Hui CHEN ; Xuemei CHEN ; Qianwen ZHENG ; Dong ZHENG
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(5):260-267
Objective:To explore the role of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-dependent ferroptosis in diclofenac-induced kidney injury.Methods:Human kidney tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) were cultured and then divided into 3 groups: control group, diclofenac group, and iron death inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) group. The same amount of 1% Fer-1 (final concentration 10 μmol/L) and phosphate buffered saline was respectively added to cells in the Fer-1 group and the other 2 groups. After 48 hours of culture, diclofenac 200 μmol/L was added to cells in the diclofenac group and the Fer-1 group. The cell viability of each group was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). The cell cycle, apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by flow cytometry. The levels of intracellular iron ion, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and GPX4 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression level of GPX4 was detected by Western blotting method.Results:Compared with the control group, the cell viability and G1 phase cell percentage of the diclofenac group were significantly lower, and compared with the diclofenac group, those were significantly higher (all P<0.05). The apoptosis rate of diclofenac group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in apoptosis rate between Fer-1 group and diclofenac group ( P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the intracellular ROS, iron content, LDH, and MDA levels were significantly higherin the diclofenac group, while the expression level of GPX4 was lower (all P<0.05). However, the ROS, iron content, LDH, and MDA levels in the Fer-1 group were lower than those in the diclofenac group, while GPX4 expression was higher than that in the diclofenac group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Diclofenac can induce ferroptosis in HK-2 cells and inhibiting the ferroptosis can alleviate cell injury, suggesting that GPX4-dependent ferroptosis may be involved in kidney injury induced by diclofenac.

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