Page 187 - HA Convention 2016 [Full Version]

Masterclasses HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONVENTION 2016

M10.3 Traditional Chinese Medicine Induced Liver Toxicity 09:00 Convention Hall A

Liver Transplantation for Traditional Chinese Medicine Induced Liver Failure
Chok KSH
Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a broad range of medical practices sharing common concepts which have been
developed in China with a tradition of more than 2,000 years. There are recorded traces of therapeutic activities in the Shang
Dynasty including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, exercise and dietary therapy. TCM is widely used
in mainland China and is also a common practice in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, liberal use of TCM, especially over-the-counter
products, may cause damage to the liver, especially for people who are at higher risk of intoxication (it is estimated that 8% of
the Hong Kong population are chronic hepatitis B virus carriers). The mechanism of liver injury is poorly defined, and certainly
different individuals can tolerate different quantities of TCM within variable time frames.

From October 1991 to December 2015, a total of 100 out of 1,207 patients had TCM-related liver failure requiring liver
transplantation. Although this is a deadly disease, overall survival rate can be higher than 82% at 5 years. Education should
be provided to the public that TCM should be used cautiously, especially if one has got underlying chronic liver disease.
Prompt referral to the Liver Transplant Centre is mandatory.

Wednesday, 4 May

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