The incidence of oxyphenisatin ingestion in active chronic hepatitis: a prospective controlled study of 29 patients.

Abstract

Summary: The results of a detailed enquiry into the laxative habits of 29 patients with active chronic hepatitis and a control group are reported. In five of the twelve female patients over the age of 30 years with active chronic hepatitis, a history of regular oxyphenisatin ingestion was elicited, this result being highly significant when compared with triple matched controls. In addition, in two of the patients who were “challenged” with the drug, an abrupt elevation in the serum bilirubin, and serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase occurred. The results strongly support an aetiological role of oxyphenisatin ingestion in some patients with active chronic hepatitis, thus validating the action of the Australian Drug Evaluation Committee who recently withdrew the drug from the Australian market. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the predilection for the group of middle aged female patients.