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Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) of the liver is a common complication following high-dose cytotoxic therapy for bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Liver injury is believed to occur following free radical damage to endothelial cells of the sinusoids and small hepatic veins. Glutathione the main antioxidant of the cytosol becomes depleted following chemotherapy. Animal studies have shown that glutamine infusions can maintain glutathione levels and protect against free radical injury. We present two cases of established VOD successfully treated with intravenous glutamine (as dipeptide) and oral vitamin E. Although both cases have possible confounding factors we believe that these give support to the notion that glutamine/vitamin E may have a role in the prophylaxis and treatment of VOD. Further formal trials are indicated.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/sj.bmt.1701172

Type

Journal article

Journal

Bone Marrow Transplant

Publication Date

04/1998

Volume

21

Pages

829 - 832

Keywords

Adult, Antineoplastic Agents, Glutamine, Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease, Humans, Male, Vitamin E