Durand F, Samuel D, Bernuau J, Saliba F, Pariente E A, Marion S, Benhamou J P, Bismuth H
Hepatobiliary, Surgery and Liver Transplantation Research Unit, South Paris University, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France.
J Hepatol. 1992 May;15(1-2):144-6. doi: 10.1016/0168-8278(92)90027-m.
Fipexide belongs to a new class of cognition activators and is noted for its lack of amphetamin-like side effects. We describe three patients who developed fulminant hepatic failure less than 2 months after beginning fipexide administration. The mean interval from the onset of jaundice to the onset of encephalopathy was 8 days. Emergency liver transplantation was undertaken when factor V was 20% of normal or less and coma developed. All patients were transplanted less than 1 week after the onset of encephalopathy. Two survived and one died immediately after transplantation. Histologic examination of the livers revealed massive liver cell necrosis, predominantly centrilobular, and a moderate inflammatory infiltrate within the portal spaces. We conclude that fipexide can induce massive liver cell necrosis and fulminant liver failure. As a result of this life-threatening complication, reconsideration of the indications for this drug is warranted.
