Fulminant hepatic failure associated with propylthiouracil: a case report with treatment emphasis on the use of plasmapheresis.

Propylthiouracil is a commonly used medication for hyperthyroidism. Though propylthiouracil-induced hepatotoxicity is a rarely encountered problem, death due to fulminant hepatic failure may occur. In the English literature, only 34 cases have been described with severe hepatotoxicity secondary to this drug. Here we report a case of fulminant hepatic failure due to propylthiouracil and review the issues of treatment and management with special emphasis on the use of plasmapheresis in such situations. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.