2390 Trenbolone-Induced Liver Injury

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse has been steadily increasing in the general population. According to a 2014 study, approximately 1 in 50 students in the 12th grade reported using anabolic steroids. Trenbelone acetate is a synthetic anabolic androgen which is an agonist of the androgen receptor and most often used in cattle. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 23 year old male with no significant past medical history presented with complaints of jaundice and generalized weakness which began 10 days prior to presentation. Patient endorsed weekly IM trenbelone 1000 mg weekly over the last 8 weeks. Physical examination was remarkable for icterus and appropriate mentation. Initial investigations reflected a total bilirubin of 13.44 mg/dL, AST 159 IU/L, ALT 425 IU/L, PT 11.0, INR 1.0, and Alk Phos of 142. Serologies were negative for viral hepatitis, anti-mitochondrial antibody, anti-smooth muscle antibody and ANA of 1:40. A liver ultrasound reported normal liver size without biliary obstruction. Patient's liver chemistries improved over the next three days and he was discharged with total bilirubin of 12.54 mg/dL, AST 135 IU/L, ALT 320 IU/L, PT 11.0, INR 1.0 and Alk Phos of 121. Patient advised to abstain from any future use of trenbelone. On repeat labs in 10 days, his total bilirubin of 29.50 mg/dL, AST 78, ALT 123, PT 20.1, INR 1.85 and Alk Phos 242. Physical examination noted worsening jaundice overall along with icterus but mentation remained appropriate. Patient denied any new medications and no further use of trenbelone since discharge. Patient's liver chemistries remained stable and he underwent MRI abdomen which was unremarkable. Patient was discharged home on ursodiol 300 mg BID. Patient's liver chemistry improved in one week and returned to baseline in one month. DISCUSSION: Anabolic steroids have been linked to four different forms of liver injury including an acute cholestatic syndrome such as in our patient, elevation in serum enzymes, chronic vascular injury and hepatic tumors including adenomas and hepatocellular carcinoma. Mechanism of cholestatic syndrome is not well defined in this type of injury. Urosdiol has been used in the past for treatment however efficacy has not been shown in a study. Healthcare provides managing patients with elevated liver chemistries should able to recognize anabolic induced liver injury given increasing use and ease of availability of such performance enhancing drugs.