Evaluation of Geriatric Patients Hospitalized for Toxic Hepatitis in a University Hospital

INTRODUCTION: Toxic hepatitis is a common condition that causes impaired liver function. In the geriatric population, factors that further increase the existing risk of toxic hepatitis include an age-related physiological decline in liver function, polypharmacy and the use of herbal products as natural remedies for health problems. This study aims to investigate the causes of toxic hepatitis and comorbid clinical conditions in patients aged 65 years and over who were hospitalized for toxic hepatitis.
METHODS: Data were collected by retrospective analysis of the medical records of 15 patients aged 65 years and older who were treated for toxic hepatitis in the geriatric ward of a university hospital between January 2019 and December 2019.
RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 69.53±7.22, and 73.3% (n=11) were women. The most common chronic comorbidity was hypertension (46.7%). The most common suspected etiological factor for toxic hepatitis was an edible plant from the genus Ferula that is cultivated in the wild in Erzurum and its vicinity (locally known as çaşır otu). None of the patients developed fulminant hepatic failure or acute tubular necrosis during follow-up. All 15 patients in this study recovered and were discharged.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The geriatric population is at risk for toxic hepatitis due to age-related physiological changes, polypharmacy, higher rates of chronic disease, and more frequent use of herbal medicines.