Spectrum of drug-induced liver injury in a tertiary hospital in southern India

Abstract

Background Anti-tuberculosis drugs are thought to account for about 50% of drugs that cause liver injury in India. We show that the spectrum of drugs is much wider than previously reported. Methods We evaluated all patients with unexplained acute liver injury presenting during 2006–2016 using a structured proforma for drug-induced liver injury (DILI). The Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method was used to assess causality. Results DILI was found in 143 of 2534 patients with acute liver injury. Nineteen patients had probable ayurvedic DILI. The other common causes of DILI were statins (16 patients) and anti-tuberculosis drugs (11 patients). Eight patients had DILI post-liver transplant. Fluconazole was the most common cause of post-liver transplant DILI. Chronic DILI (abnormal liver function test after 12 months of stopping the suspected drug) was found in 2 patients. Conclusion In otherwise unexplained acute liver injury, DILI due to ayurvedic drugs should be sought. DILI should be considered in post-liver transplant patients. Patients with DILI should be monitored for at least 12 months to exclude progression to chronic DILI.