Presence of Ghost Capsules in Stool Mimicking Parasites due to Extended Release Metformin
Clinical Laboratory, cilt.71, sa.4, ss.731-733, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 71 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.7754/clin.lab.2024.241019
- Dergi Adı: Clinical Laboratory
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.731-733
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Ghost pill, metformin, extended release
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: This case report presents the history, findings, and diagnostic workup of a 28-year-old woman who presented to the hospital with a yellowish, parasite-like structure in her stool. Methods: The patient had no significant gastrointestinal complaints other than weight loss and decreased appetite, and no parasites or leukocytes were detected on direct examination of the stool. Results: No eosinophilia, elevated C-reactive protein or leukocytosis was detected in laboratory tests. It was suggested that the structure in the stool of the patient whose symptoms occurred after taking extended-release metformin could be a ghost tablet, and further investigation was not considered necessary. Conclusions: The report emphasizes the importance of considering drug-related side effects, especially ghost pills, in patients with atypical stool findings to avoid unnecessary investigations and anxiety.