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Methyldopa hepatitis

Report of three cases

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Abstract

Three cases of hepatitis following methyldopa administration are described. Eight to ten weeks after the start of methyldopa therapy, the patients presented with features similar to those of acute viral hepatitis. However, Australia antigen was not detected in the serum; instead, immunologic disturbances were noted. The first patient subsequently went into hepatic coma and died from massive hepatic necrosis. The second patient had a protracted course but gradually improved. The third patient recovered fully. It is important to appreciate the possibility of methyldopa hepatitis, and the present cases serve to emphasize the potential seriousness of the condition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio

    Anastacio M. Hoyumpa Jr MD & Alastair M. Connell MD

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  1. Anastacio M. Hoyumpa Jr MD
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  2. Alastair M. Connell MD
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Hoyumpa, A.M., Connell, A.M. Methyldopa hepatitis. Digest Dis Sci 18, 213–222 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01071975

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