DOI: 10.12890/2020_001921

Propofol-Induced Hepatitis

Authors

  • Hanna Raisi Center for Alcohol Research (CAR), University of Heidelberg and Department of Medicine, Salem Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
  • Thomas Longerich Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
  • Bernardo Moreira Assuncao Center for Alcohol Research (CAR), University of Heidelberg and Department of Medicine, Salem Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
  • Sebastian Mueller Center for Alcohol Research (CAR), University of Heidelberg and Department of Medicine, Salem Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
  • Peter Schirmacher Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
  • Helmut-Karl Seitz Center for Alcohol Research (CAR), University of Heidelberg and Department of Medicine, Salem Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany

helmut_karl.seitz@urz.uni-heidelberg.de

Keywords

Propofol, hepatitis, anaesthesia

Abstract

Objectives:To present a rare case of propofol-induced hepatitis.
Materials and methods: A 59-year old man was referred to our department because of suspicion of toxic hepatitis after propofol anaesthesia for endoscopic colonoscopy. 
Results: The patient had jaundice, increased transaminases demonstrating liver necrosis, and liver stiffness of 18 kPa. Liver biopsy revealed bridging necrosis and initial post-collapse fibrosis. Following therapy with steroids and N-acetyl cysteine, the patient was discharged on the seventh day after admission in good general condition.
Conclusion: Although propofol is considered safe, it can cause acute hepatitis, the seventh published case of which is reported here. Importantly, treatment with N-acetyl cysteine, a radical scavenger, but especially with steroids resulted in hepatic improvement.

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References

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Published

2020-10-08

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 12 (2020)

How to Cite

1.
Raisi H, Longerich T, Moreira Assuncao B, Mueller S, Schirmacher P, Seitz H-K. Propofol-Induced Hepatitis. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2020 Oct. 8 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];7(12). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/1921