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Abstract

Gastroenterology Medicine & Research

Kombucha Liver Injury, A Strange Presentation: A Case Report

Submission: April 28, 2022; Published: May 10, 2022

DOI: 10.31031/GMR.2022.07.000651

ISSN 2637-7632
Volume7 Issue1

Abstract

Background: Kombucha is a fermented tea commonly consumed for its supposed health benefits. However, some cases of toxicity are reported. To our knowledge there are no case reports of cholestasis.

Case Report: A 31-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for jaundice. Initially abdominal ultrasonography revealed cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis. We performed Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with gallstones removal and sphincterotomy, without any benefit on jaundice. After excluding all etiologies, a toxicological history revealed the consumption of Kombucha tea about three weeks before hospitalization. We started therapy with a high-dosage of N-acetylcysteine (300mg/kg, i.v.), Ursodeoxycholic acid-UDCA (15mg/kg) and fluids for 14 days. A progressive reduction of liver tests was shown.

Conclusion: Kombucha tea is widely used and it should be considered as a potential Drug-Induced Cholestasis (DIC)as well as some drugs or herbal supplementations.

Keywords: Kombucha; Liver injury; Cholestasis; Case report

Abbreviations: AST: Aspartate Aminotransferase; ALT: Alanine Aminotransferase; ALP: Alkaline Phosphatase; gGT: Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase, WBC: White Blood Cells; Hb: Hemoglobin; ERCP: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography; MRCP: Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography

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