The development of portal hypertension and liver failure on the background of long-term intake of vitamin A in a young woman. Case report

Abstract

The use of over-the-Counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals is a common phenomenon in today's society. We present a case of liver injury associated with long-term OTC use of vitamin A. The young patient took daily up to 15 capsules of a combined preparation for 2 years containing retinol palmitate 55 mg (100,000 IU) + Alpha-Tocopherol acetate 100 mg, the content of vitamin A in which significantly exceeded the recommended daily dose. Gradually, the patient noted the appearance of arthralgia, skin itching, hyperemia of the palms and feet, exfoliation of the skin on the soles, profuse hair loss, cracks in the corners of the mouth and in the area of the earlobes. Patient's condition worsened with the development of signs of liver cirrhosis in the form of portal hypertension (ascites, splenomegaly) and a decrease in the protein-synthetic function of the organ. Chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, alcoholic liver disease were exclude. Liver biopsy showed characteristic signs of hypervitaminosis A without fibrosis. A complete regression of symptoms was observe within 8 months after discontinuation of the drug. A toxicity can lead to serious liver injury and should be considere in the differential diagnosis of chronic liver disease. Vitamin A should only be prescribe for medical reasons, for a limited period of time, and under close medical supervision.