Low molecular weight heparin-induced liver toxicity

J Clin Pharmacol. 2001 Jun;41(6):691-4. doi: 10.1177/00912700122010465.

Abstract

The authors report two cases of hepatotoxicity induced by low molecular weight heparin. A 26-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were treated with low molecular weight heparin for pulmonary embolism and cerebral infarction, respectively. They both developed derangement in liver function tests a few days after commencement of the low molecular weight heparin. The derangement in liver function tests was associated with a decreased serum complement 3 activity. Their liver functions recovered over a period of 2 to 3 months after low molecular weight heparin was stopped. Liver biopsy in the woman demonstrated balloon degeneration with scattered foci of hepatocytic necrosis, suggesting a complement-mediated hepatocellular damage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Cerebral Infarction / drug therapy
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury*
  • Complement C3 / metabolism
  • Enoxaparin / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver / physiopathology
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Liver Diseases / physiopathology
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Male
  • Nadroparin / adverse effects*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Complement C3
  • Enoxaparin
  • Nadroparin