Abstract: Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) induced by gynura segetum. Methods Clinical data of 25 gynura segetum-induced HVOD patients was retrospectively analyzed, and the comparison between rehabilitation group and death group were carried out.Results After taking gynura segetum for 3 months, 20 patients (80%) had clinical symptoms and signs such as abdominal distension, ascites, hepatomegaly and jaundice. Laboratory tests also indicated abnormal liver function, prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and decreased platelet count. In death group, levels of white blood cell (WBC), PT and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly higher than those in rehabilitation group (P<0.05). Image examination showed hepatomegaly, ascites and "leopard" or "patchy" low echo area in color doppler ultrasound, and characteristic "map" or "patchy" enhancement in enhanced computed tomography (CT). The mortality was about 50% during the follow-up. Conclusion Definite medication history, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and imaging examinations can help diagnose gynura segetum-induced HVOD. Elevated WBC count, prolonged PT, and elevated BUN levels may be indicators for poor prognosis. To date, there is no specific treatment for HVOD and the mortality is high.

Key words: Hepatic veno-occlusive disease, Gynura segetum, Clinical characteristics