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Piantanida E, Ippolito S, Gallo D, Masiello E, Premoli P, Cusini C, Rosetti S, Sabatino J, Segato S, Trimarchi F, Bartalena L, Tanda ML. The interplay between thyroid and liver: implications for clinical practice. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:885-899. [PMID: 32166702 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A complex relationship exists between thyroid and liver in health and disease. Liver plays an essential physiological role in thyroid hormone activation and inactivation, transport, and metabolism. Conversely, thyroid hormones affect activities of hepatocytes and hepatic metabolism. Serum liver enzyme abnormalities observed in hypothyroidism may be related to impaired lipid metabolism, hepatic steatosis or hypothyroidism-induced myopathy. Severe hypothyroidism may have biochemical and clinical features, such as hyperammonemia and ascites, mimicking those of liver failure. Liver function tests are frequently abnormal also in hyperthyroidism, due to oxidative stress, cholestasis, or enhanced osteoblastic activity. Antithyroid drug-associated hepatotoxicity is a rare event, likely related mainly to an idiosyncratic mechanism, ranging from a mild hepatocellular damage to liver failure. Propylthiouracil-induced liver damage is usually more severe than that caused by methimazole. On the other hand, thyroid abnormalities can be found in liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cholangiocarcinoma. In particular, autoimmune thyroid diseases are frequently found in patients with hepatitis C virus infection. These patients, especially if thyroid autoimmunity preexists, are at risk of hypothyroidism or, less frequently, thyrotoxicosis, during and after treatment with interpheron-alpha alone or in combination with ribavirin, commonly used before the introduction of new antiviral drugs. The present review summarizes both liver abnormalities related to thyroid disorders and their treatment, and thyroid abnormalities related to liver diseases and their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Piantanida
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ospedale Di Circolo, ASST Dei Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Viale Borri, 57, Varese, Italy.
| | - S Ippolito
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ospedale Di Circolo, ASST Dei Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Viale Borri, 57, Varese, Italy
| | - D Gallo
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ospedale Di Circolo, ASST Dei Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Viale Borri, 57, Varese, Italy
| | - E Masiello
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ospedale Di Circolo, ASST Dei Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Viale Borri, 57, Varese, Italy
| | - P Premoli
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ospedale Di Circolo, ASST Dei Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Viale Borri, 57, Varese, Italy
| | - C Cusini
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ospedale Di Circolo, ASST Dei Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Viale Borri, 57, Varese, Italy
| | - S Rosetti
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ospedale Di Circolo, ASST Dei Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Viale Borri, 57, Varese, Italy
| | - J Sabatino
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ospedale Di Circolo, ASST Dei Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Viale Borri, 57, Varese, Italy
| | - S Segato
- Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Unit, Department of Specialistic Medicine, ASST Dei Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - F Trimarchi
- Accademia Peloritana Dei Pericolanti, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - L Bartalena
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ospedale Di Circolo, ASST Dei Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Viale Borri, 57, Varese, Italy.
| | - M L Tanda
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ospedale Di Circolo, ASST Dei Sette Laghi, University of Insubria, Viale Borri, 57, Varese, Italy
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Akmal A, Kung J. Propylthiouracil, and methimazole, and carbimazole-related hepatotoxicity. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2014; 13:1397-406. [PMID: 25156887 DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2014.953796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Propylthiouracil (PTU) has been used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism since the 1940s, but over the years reports of significant hepatotoxicity have come forth, particularly in children. This led to a black box warning being issued by the US FDA in 2009, followed by a similar warning by the European Medicines Agency and the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency later that year. AREAS COVERED This article provides a concise review of the data on hepatotoxicity associated with the currently available antithyroid drugs: PTU, methimazole (MMI) and carbimazole. The differences in mechanism are examined in detail, as well as clinical presentation, management and monitoring. Use in special populations and trends in use of antithyroid medication are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION PTU is known to cause severe hepatic failure, particularly in children. Its use in children should be avoided. In adults, it is beneficial to use in the first trimester of pregnancy and thyroid storm. In the rest of the adult population, it should be used with caution. Carbimazole and MMI are associated with less severe hepatic injury and should be preferred when choosing thionamides as a treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anam Akmal
- Tufts Division of Endocrinology , 800 Washington St Box 268, Boston, MA 02111 , USA +1 617 636 1216 ; +1 617 636 4719 ;
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Taylor P, Bhatt S, Gouni R, Quinlan J, Robinson T. A Case of Propylthiouracil-Induced Hepatitis during Pregnancy. Eur Thyroid J 2012; 1:41-4. [PMID: 24782996 PMCID: PMC3821452 DOI: 10.1159/000336071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A 32-year-old with no pre-existing liver disease was diagnosed with Graves' disease at week 4 of pregnancy. Thyroid-stimulating hormone was undetectable with elevated free thyroxine levels and positive thyroid receptor antibodies. She was started on a reducing regime of propylthiouracil (PTU). At week 20 in pregnancy, she became jaundiced. Initial bloods revealed: bilirubin 91 μmol/l, alanine aminotransferase 1,796 IU/l, alkaline phosphatase 200 IU/l, international normalized ratio 1.2, and albumin 33 g/l. A presumptive diagnosis of PTU-induced hepatitis was made. PTU was immediately discontinued and best supportive care instigated. Serum markers for autoimmune and viral hepatitis were negative, abdomen ultrasound, ferritin and caeruloplasmin were normal. Although her alanine aminotransferase began to fall, her bilirubin continued to rise, peaking at 378. Two weeks after PTU cessation she became thyrotoxic and was started on a reducing regime of carbimazole. Her thyroid function stabilized and liver function tests continued to improve with carbimazole stopped at week 32. Growth scans remained normal with delivery of a healthy baby at 38 weeks. This report highlights that good outcomes can be achieved in PTU-induced hepatitis in pregnancy. Patients on PTU should be warned of the potential risk of hepatic failure and advised to seek medical advice immediately if they develop jaundice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Taylor
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal United Hospital, Bath, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
- Department of Centre for Endocrine and Diabetes Sciences, Department of Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sandip Bhatt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal United Hospital, Bath, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ravi Gouni
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal United Hospital, Bath, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jonathan Quinlan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal United Hospital, Bath, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Tony Robinson
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal United Hospital, Bath, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
- *Tony Robinson, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal United Hospital, Bath BA1 3NG (UK), E-Mail
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Jeon SJ, Kim TY, Lee SH, Kang JS, Choi GH, Lee SG, Hwang HS. A Case Report of Methimazole-Induced Acute Liver Failure Successfully Treated with Liver Transplantation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.3904/kjm.2012.83.3.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Jin Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Yong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Sik Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gwang Hyeon Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Gyu Lee
- Department of Surgery, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Sang Hwang
- Department of Pathology, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
Methimazole is a widely used and generally well-tolerated antithyroid agent. A 43-year-old woman had severe jaundice and itching 1 month after receiving methimazole (10 mg tid) and propranolol (20 mg tid) for treatment of hyperthyroidism. The patient continued treatment for another 4 days after the appearance of jaundice until she finished both medications. When seen at the emergency department 2 weeks later, she still had severe icterus, pruritus, and hyperbilirubinemia, formed mainly of the conjugated fraction. Methimazole-induced cholestasis was diagnosed, and propranolol therapy was resumed. Over the following 9 days, the symptoms improved and plasma bilirubin levels were normal after 12 weeks without methimazole. In rare cases within the first few weeks of therapy, this drug can cause severe and reversible cholestatic jaundice. Physicians and patients should be aware of this adverse effect so that, upon occurrence, they can discontinue methimazole therapy and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser E Mikhail
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Olive View UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, CA 91342-1495, USA.
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Khoo AL, Tham LS, Lee KH, Lim GK. Acute liver failure with concurrent bupropion and carbimazole therapy. Ann Pharmacother 2003; 37:220-3. [PMID: 12549952 DOI: 10.1177/106002800303700212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report a case of fatal liver failure possibly associated with concurrent use of bupropion and carbimazole. CASE SUMMARY A 41-year-old Chinese man with a history of hyperthyroidism had been treated with carbimazole and propranolol for the past 5 years. He received a 10-day course of bupropion as an aid for smoking cessation 10 weeks prior to presentation. He developed acute liver failure with rapid deterioration of renal function. Liver biopsy showed evidence of nonspecific drug-induced acute liver injury. His condition was further complicated by sepsis and coagulopathy. Death resulted 19 days after the onset of symptoms. The likelihood that bupropion induced hepatotoxicity in our patient was possible, based on the Naranjo probability scale. DISCUSSION Although there is increasing evidence of hepatotoxicity induced by bupropion, this is the first case of fatality that could have resulted from acute liver failure in a patient receiving bupropion while on concomitant treatment with carbimazole. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of acute liver insult induced by bupropion given concurrently with other hepatotoxic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Leng Khoo
- Department of Pharmacy, National University Hospital, Singapore.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present the case of a patient with Graves' hyperthyroidism in whom treatment with methimazole led to severe cholestasis. METHODS A detailed case report and an overview of previously published cases of methimazole- and carbimazole-induced hepatotoxicity, found in a MEDLINE search with use of methimazole, carbimazole, thionamides and antithyroid agents as subject headings, are provided. RESULTS In a 36-year-old woman with severe hyperthyroidism, treatment with methimazole (20 mg twice daily) was initiated. Nineteen days later, pruritus, scleral icterus, dark urine, and abdominal discomfort prompted discontinuation of the therapy. Laboratory investigations and abdominal ultrasonography showed findings consistent with a cholestatic reaction to methimazole. Recovery was slow but complete. Of the 30 previously published cases of hepatotoxicity related to treatment with methimazole or carbimazole in which the nature of the hepatic injury was described, 19 were also cholestatic. CONCLUSION Physicians should be aware that thionamide drugs can be associated with hepatotoxicity. Analysis of the known cases suggests that older age of the patient and higher dose of the drug are risk factors for cholestatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Woeber
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Franscisco, California 94143-1640, USA
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