Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant and potentially serious condition characterized by liver dysfunction resulting from exposure to drugs, herbs, or dietary supplements. DILI accounts for approximately 5-10% of all cases of acute hepatitis, and it is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the United States. This report will discuss the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of DILI.
Etiology DILI can be caused by a wide variety of medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal and dietary supplements. The mechanism of DILI is complex and is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of direct toxicity, immune-mediated damage, and metabolic idiosyncrasy. Some drugs are metabolized in the liver to toxic intermediates that can cause liver cell injury, while others can cause liver…
