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Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Geriatrics, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
Pharmacy Practice Resident, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Reprints: Rebecca B Sleeper PharmD BCPS, 3601 4th Street, Suite 1C162 STOP 8162, Lubbock, TX 79430-8162, FAX 806/743-4209, E-mail rebecca.sleeper{at}ttmc.ttuhsc.edu
OBJECTIVE: To describe the case of an elderly patient who experienced hepatic enzyme elevations and symptoms of hepatitis associated with the administration of a dietary supplement.
CASE SUMMARY: A 92-year-old white woman with no history of hepatic disease developed jaundice and increased confusion associated with increased hepatic enzymes. The hepatitis panel, abdominal ultrasound, and antinuclear antibody screen indicated no abnormalities. A drug regimen review revealed that the patient was receiving a dietary supplement, Nutrilite Double X Multivitamin–Multimineral. Following discontinuation of the supplement, the patient's symptoms resolved and the hepatic enzymes decreased or returned to the reference range at evaluations occurring 1 week and 1 month after intervention. An objective causality assessment revealed this to be a probable adverse drug event.
DISCUSSION: While the association of certain herbal preparations with hepatotoxicity has been demonstrated, the potential for this adverse effect is easily overlooked. In this patient, infectious or autoimmune causes of acute hepatitis were ruled out, and drug-induced causes were considered. The resolution of symptoms and laboratory values following discontinuation of the supplement support a relationship between the dietary supplement and this episode of hepatitis.
CONCLUSIONS: Our case indicates that there was a probable relationship between the dietary supplement Nutrilite Double X Multivitamin–Multimineral and the development of acute hepatitis. Due to the multiingredient formulation of the product, as well as lack of data describing manufacturing procedures, it is difficult to determine which component may be associated with this effect. Over-the-counter supplements should be considered as a part of the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with increased liver enzymes and related symptoms.
Key Words: elderly, dietary supplement, hepatotoxicity
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  C A. Oborne and M. L Luzac Over-the-Counter Medicine Use Prior to and During Hospitalization Ann. Pharmacother., February 1, 2005; 39(2): 268 - 273. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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