Ischemic hepatitis in a patient with congestive cardiomyopathy: an innovative approach to therapy using intravenous dobutamine

Patients who sustain a transient period of hypotension or low cardiac output can develop massive elevations of the serum transaminases without serum markers of acute hepatitis, a recent myocardial infarction or exposure to toxins and chemicals. This condition is often termed "ischemic hepatitis...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of clinical pharmacology Vol. 34; no. 3; p. 270
Main Authors Levy, D K, Schwartz, J M, Frishman, W H, Schwarz, M L, LeJemtel, T H
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.03.1994
Subjects
Adult
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated - complications
Dobutamine - administration & dosage
Dobutamine - therapeutic use
Hepatitis - complications
Hepatitis - drug therapy
Humans
Injections, Intravenous
Ischemia - complications
Ischemia - drug therapy
Liver Function Tests
Male
Transaminases - blood
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:Patients who sustain a transient period of hypotension or low cardiac output can develop massive elevations of the serum transaminases without serum markers of acute hepatitis, a recent myocardial infarction or exposure to toxins and chemicals. This condition is often termed "ischemic hepatitis" (IH), with its pathological correlate being centrilobular necrosis. Recognition of IH can help in the appropriate management of these patients, and avoid unnecessary diagnostic testing. The authors describe a patient with congestive cardiomyopathy in whom IH developed as part of a complicated hospital course. The condition appeared to reverse with the administration of dobutamine, suggesting inotropic therapy as an appropriate treatment modality.
ISSN:0091-2700
DOI:10.1002/j.1552-4604.1994.tb03998.x