Atorvastatin-Induced Liver Injury with Rapid Enzyme Elevation: A Case-Report

¹Clinical Pharmacy Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Chile

²Pharmacy Service, Hospital Penco – Lirquén, Chile

*Corresponding Author: Felipe Morales-León, Pharm D. PhD. Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Chile, Phone: 0056-41- 220 4208, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: October 17, 2024

Published Date: November 12, 2024

Citation: Morales-León F, et al. (2024). Atorvastatin-Induced Liver Injury with Rapid Enzyme Elevation: A Case-Report. Mathews J Case Rep. 9(10):191.

Copyrights: Morales-León F, et al. (2024).

ABSTRACT

Background: Statins, particularly atorvastatin, are widely used for managing dyslipidemia and preventing cardiovascular events and stroke. Despite their well-documented efficacy, concerns over statin-induced liver injury (SILI), a subset of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), have appeared. Case: this details the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of atorvastatin-induced hepatotoxicity in a 55-year-old female patient following a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). After being treated with atorvastatin, our patient developed symptoms indicative of liver damage, confirmed by elevated liver enzymes and hepatocellular injury. Atorvastatin was discontinued, resulting in the normalization of liver function. Due to her high cardiovascular risk, rosuvastatin, an alternative statin with a lower hepatotoxicity profile, was introduced, and regular monitoring showed no further complications. Discussion: This case underscores the importance of balancing the cardiovascular benefits of statins against their potential hepatic risks. Clinicians must closely monitor liver function, especially in high-risk patients, and consider alternative statins when reinitiation is necessary. This report highlights the need for individualized treatment plans to mitigate statin-induced hepatotoxicity, ensuring both patient safety and cardiovascular protection.

Keywords: Drug Induced Liver Injury, Atorvastatin, Alanine Transaminase, Aspartate Aminotransferases, Alkaline Phosphatase, Case Report, Cardiovascular Disease, Biochemical Indices.