Drug-induced liver damage with cholestasis

Abstract

The liver is the main organ responsible for the biotransformation and elimination of drugs, and therefore its function is often impaired by different medications. In this article, the authors inform practical health care professionals about the possible liver damage with cholestasis caused by drugs (DILI). Most often, DILI is caused some antibacterial drugs, steroids, barbiturates and some other drugs. DILI has no pathognomonic clinical manifestations. tte scientific literature describes both an asymptomatic increase of “liver” enzymes and the development of acute liver failure. Important diagnostic methods are the collection of anamnesis (especially the medicinal one), analysis of blood biochemical tests, and data from visual diagnostic methods. If the patient has DILI, it is necessary, whenever possible, to stop intake of a drug. ttere are no specific drugs recommended for pharmacotherapy of DILI but there is some the positive effect of ademetionine and ursodeoxycholic acid. ttere are no specific preventive measures for DILI. Healthcare practitioners are recommended not to use drugs off-label, optimize pharmacotherapy and fight with polypharmacy, monitore biochemical tests regularly etc.