Summary
Serial observations of hepatic function and histological changes in the liver were made in one case, and of hepatic function in a second case of jaundice, occurring during iproniazid medication. No specific pattern of liver dysfunction could be found to aid in the differentiation from viral hepatitis. This fact alone does not warrant the conclusion that iproniazid reactivates subclinical viral hepatitis. A direct hepatotoxic effect of iproniazid should be considered. Such a possibility finds support in the ability of iproniazid to interfere with the normal detoxification mechanism of the liver. No method of detecting early and unquestionably remedial liver damage by iproniazid has as yet been found. No assurance of safety can be given by the use of a low dosage schedule. At the present time, the dangers of iproniazid should be kept in mind and its use limited to cases where the risk is warranted.
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We are grateful to Drs. H. Arkless and S. S. Mintz of the Albert Einstein Medical Center for the privilege of studying their patients. We are indebted to Dr. H. Popper, Director of the Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, for his evaluation of our liver biopsy material.
Supplied as Marsilid® (Hoffman-LaRoche, Inc., Nutley, N. J.).
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Bralow, S.P., Shay, H. Jaundice following iproniazid administration with recovery. Digest Dis Sci 4, 1014–1026 (1959). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231500
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231500