Khat Chewing: A Case Study

1182 Words5 Pages

In confirmation of the hepatotoxicity of khat ingestion, there is also a case report described an East African man with a regular khat chewing habit who developed jaundice as a result of acute hepatitis (Brostoff et al., 2006).
In a study done by Bajubair (1997), 158 Yemeni healthy khat chewers with variabe duration of khat chewing were investigated for liver function tests, the result showed significant increased levels of aminotranferases and decreased serum total protein while the alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels were not affected. This result reflected the effect of khat on the hepatocellular toxicity and synthetic function of the liver while the cholestatic function is spared. Bastawi (1987), demonstrated that in both humans and experimental animals, consumption of khat for short period can lead to acute disturbances in the liver functions. Tash et al. (1983) reported increased alkaline phosphatase and transaminases activity. A rather unusual adverse effect on the liver of chewing khat was a parasitic infection of the liver by Fasciola hepatica as a contaminant of the khat leaves. Many cases were reported from different hospitals in UK. All diagnosed patients had a history of khat chewing. Most of the discussed patients are of East African and Yemeni origin and all had a history of khat chewing (Chand et al., 2009; Cats et al 2000; Doherty et al, 1995).
Khat chewing and autoimmune hepatitis is one of mysterious titles that could not be understood by researchers, Fallatah …show more content…

The question here is: (Are these Somalian patients questioned about their habit of using

Open Document