Hepatoxicity with encephalopathy associated with aspirin therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Encephalopathy secondary to aspirin-induced hepatoxicity developed in three patients with JRA. In each patient clinical and biochemical resolution occurred after discontinuing the drug, but toxicity appeared on rechallenge. Liver biopsies in two patients showed mild nonspecific changes. Acute hepatic decompensation and encephalopathy may occur as a consequence of aspirin hepatoxicity in JRA and justify sequential observations of liver function tests and salicylate levels in such patients.