DIPHENYLHYDANTOIN-INDUCED HEPATIC NECROSIS - CASE-STUDY

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 70  (3) , 422-424
Abstract
A patient with post-traumatic seizure disorder developed lymphadenopathy, exfoliative dermatitis and hepatic failure while on diphenylhydantoin therapy and died in hepatic coma. Autopsy disclosed massive hepatic necrosis. The clinical and pathological pictures are similar to the 6 previously reported cases of diphenylhydantoin-induced hepatic necrosis, with the exception of the time of onset of hepatic failure, which is explained. The cause of such hepatotoxicity is unknown, although hypersensitivity is postulated. Studies of liver function in patients receiving diphenylhydantoin apparently are indicated to assess the true incidence of hepatocellular injury.