Vanishing bile duct syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus: nevirapine hepatotoxicity revisited

World J Gastroenterol. 2010 Jul 14;16(26):3335-8. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i26.3335.

Abstract

Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) refers to a group of disorders characterized by prolonged cholestasis as a result of destruction and disappearance of intrahepatic bile ducts. Multiple etiologies have been indentified including infections, neoplastic disorders, autoimmune conditions and drugs. The natural history of this condition is variable and may involve resolution of cholestasis or progression with irreversible damage. VBDS is extremely rare in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and anti-retroviral therapy has never been implicated as a cause. We encountered a young pregnant female with HIV and VBDS secondary to anti-retroviral therapy. Here, we report her clinical course and outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / adverse effects
  • Bile Duct Diseases / diagnosis
  • Bile Duct Diseases / etiology*
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / pathology
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / diagnosis
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / etiology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Nevirapine / adverse effects*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / drug therapy*
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Nevirapine