What is drug-induced liver injury?
Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) refers to liver function or structural abnormalities caused directly or indirectly by drugs or their metabolites. In recent years, with the increase in the types of drugs and the frequency of drug use, DILI has become a health issue of global concern. This article will combine hot topics in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and preventive measures of drug-induced liver injury.
1. Causes of drug-induced liver injury

The causes of drug-induced liver injury are mainly divided into two categories:direct hepatotoxicityandIdiosyncratic hepatotoxicity. Direct hepatotoxicity is usually related to drug dose, while idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity is related to individual genetic background, immune status and other factors.
| Type | Features | Common medicines |
|---|---|---|
| direct hepatotoxicity | Dose dependent, predictable | Acetaminophen, chemotherapy drugs |
| Idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity | Not dose dependent, unpredictable | Antibiotics, anti-tuberculosis drugs, traditional Chinese medicine |
2. Symptoms of drug-induced liver injury
The symptoms of drug-induced liver injury vary in severity. In mild cases, there may be no obvious symptoms, while in severe cases, liver failure may occur. The following are common clinical manifestations:
| Symptom type | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| mild symptoms | Fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea |
| moderate symptoms | Jaundice, abdominal pain, itchy skin |
| severe symptoms | Hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, coagulopathy |
3. Diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury
Diagnosing drug-induced liver injury requires a combination of medical history, laboratory tests, and imaging results. The following are commonly used diagnostic methods:
| diagnostic methods | Specific content |
|---|---|
| Medical history collection | Medication history, time of symptom onset |
| laboratory tests | Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) |
| Imaging examination | Ultrasound, CT, MRI |
| liver biopsy | Determine the extent of liver tissue damage |
4. Prevention and treatment of drug-induced liver injury
The key to preventing drug-induced liver injury lies in rational drug use and regular monitoring. The following are specific prevention and treatment measures:
| Measure type | Specific content |
|---|---|
| Precautions | Avoid drug abuse and monitor liver function regularly |
| Treatment measures | Discontinue suspected drugs, hepatoprotective treatment, and severe patients requiring liver transplantation |
5. Hot topics in the past 10 days: Traditional Chinese medicine and drug-induced liver injury
Recently, the discussion on drug-induced liver injury caused by traditional Chinese medicine has become a hot topic. Some studies indicate that some traditional Chinese medicines (He Shou Wu, Tripterygium wilfordii) may cause liver damage. Experts suggest that you should follow your doctor's advice when using traditional Chinese medicine and avoid long-term or overdose.
6. Summary
Drug-induced liver injury is a common adverse drug reaction that can be life-threatening in severe cases. Its incidence can be significantly reduced through rational medication use, regular monitoring and timely intervention. The public should increase their awareness of DILI and avoid blind use of medication.
If you have medication questions or develop symptoms of liver damage, please seek medical attention promptly to avoid delays in treatment.
check the details
check the details