Liver Damage and Estrogen Therapy of Prostatic Cancer: Case Report

Abstract

A severe jaundice developed in one out of 62 prostatic cancer patients who were followed up regularly during estrogen therapy. In addition to estrogen (diaethyl. stilboestrol diphosphate), the patient received sulphona-mides, carbutamide, digoxin, and nitroglycerin for concurrent diseases. The patient had used these drugs for more than six months before the estrogen thcrapy was introduced. Slight changes in the liver function tests were noted before the beginning of the estrogen therapy. There were no anamnestical data on liver disease nor of any allergic reactions to drugs. An increase in serum tri-glyceride and total lipids as well as a decrease in the blood glucose level were noted during the estrogen therapy. When the estrogen and sulphonamide medications were interrupted, jaundice disappeared and the blood glucose level increased. These changes may have developed because of drug interaction. The patient died 8 months later of haemorrhage caused by rupture of the oesophageal varices. At autopsy, thrombosis of the portal vein and liver cirrhosis were noted. The choice of drugs for patients receiving large estrogen doses with other drugs is discussed.