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Open Exploration, Exploration of  Medicine, p. 181-187, 2022

DOI: 10.37349/emed.2022.00084

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Complex liver injury induced by combined Aloe Vera and vitamin A oral supplements, as assessed by histology and the updated RUCAM

This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

A case of combined acute and chronic liver injury related to consumption of multi-ingredient nutritional oral supplements containing Aloe Vera gel and vitamin A among other vitamins, minerals and dietary elements such as fish and calamari oil in a 59-year-old female with unexplained hypertransaminasemia is reported. A unique complex liver injury was diagnosed on liver biopsy combining histological features of protracted acute hepatitis, mild manifestation of hypervitaminosis A and lipogranulomatous reaction attributed to Aloe Vera, vitamin A and lipids, respectively. Normalization of liver tests was achieved after discontinuation of all nutritional supplements. Updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) score (+8, probable) further supported herb-induced liver injury. The present case highlights the increasing incidence of complex histological liver injury linked to the constantly growing consumption of multi-ingredient dietary supplements and alternative medications.