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Current Drug Safety

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ISSN (Print): 1574-8863
ISSN (Online): 2212-3911

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Case Report

Unmasking of Metamizole-induced Liver Injury by Simult aneous Development of Characteristic Agranulocytosis

Author(s): Mathias Lutz*, Inga Grünewald, Frank Lenze, Hauke Heinzow, Hansjörg Ullerich, Iyad Kabar, Hartmut H. Schmidt and Phil-Robin Tepasse

Volume 18, Issue 3, 2023

Published on: 29 August, 2022

Page: [404 - 412] Pages: 9

DOI: 10.2174/1574886317666220606150721

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: Metamizole is one of the most used analgesic, antipyretic, and spasmolytic agents in many countries worldwide. While metamizole-induced agranulocytosis is an, albeit seldom, well-known adverse event, metamizole-associated drug-induced liver injury has been reported rarely in the literature and hence often remains unconsidered. Here, we present a unique case where metamizole-induced hepatotoxicity got unmasked by the simultaneous development of characteristic agranulocytosis.

Case Report: A 22-year-old woman without known conditions presented with a new onset of fever, jaundice, and maculopapular rash and explicitly denied intake of any new substances. Laboratory tests showed liver injury, granulopenia, and positive anti-nuclear and anti-mitochondrial (AMA-M2) antibodies. Liver biopsy revealed a histological pattern characteristic of drug-induced liver injury and bone marrow biopsy, the classical picture of metamizole-induced agranulocytosis. Indeed the in-depth interview of the patient unveiled metamizole consumption over the last two months. Therefore, we could diagnose metamizole-induced hepato- and myelotoxicity. Accordingly, steroid therapy led to normalization of liver parameters and stimulation with granulocyte colony- stimulating factor to leukocyte recovery.

Conclusion: This case report is intended to increase the awareness of metamizole-associated druginduced liver injury which should always be kept in mind due to its occasionally life-threatening course. Diagnosis can be difficult particularly if anamnesis and written records are without hints for prior metamizole intake.

Keywords: Metamizole, dipyrone, liver, drug-induced liver injury, drug-induced hepatitis, agranulocytosis.

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Graphical Abstract

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