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Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a cause of acute and chronic liver disease caused specifically by medications and the most common reason for a drug to be withdrawn from the market after approval. The liver plays a central role in transforming and clearing chemicals and is susceptible to the toxicity from these agents.
The cause of cirrhosis can vary; alcohol and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are main causes in western and industrialized countries, whereas viral hepatitis is the predominant cause in low and middle-income countries. [156] Cirrhosis is more common in men than in women. [158]
The treatment of chronic liver disease depends on the cause. Specific conditions may be treated with medications including corticosteroids , interferon , antivirals , bile acids or other drugs. Supportive therapy for complications of cirrhosis include diuretics , albumin , vitamin K , blood products , antibiotics and nutritional therapy.
Alcoholic liver disease is a hepatic manifestation of alcohol overconsumption, including fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Analogous terms such as "drug-induced" or "toxic" liver disease are also used to refer to disorders caused by various drugs. [7]
Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant cause of hepatitis and is the most common cause of cirrhosis in the U.S. [33] Alcoholic hepatitis is within the spectrum of alcoholic liver disease. This ranges in order of severity and reversibility from alcoholic steatosis (least severe, most reversible), alcoholic hepatitis , cirrhosis, and ...
After tobacco, alcohol accounts for a higher burden of disease than any other drug. Alcohol use is a major cause of preventable liver disease worldwide, and alcoholic liver disease is the main alcohol-related chronic medical illness. [6] Millions of people of all ages, from adolescents to the elderly, engage in unhealthy drinking. [7]
Cirrhosis can also result from other causes than hazardous alcohol use, such as viral hepatitis and heavy exposure to toxins other than alcohol. The late stages of cirrhosis may look similar medically, regardless of cause. This phenomenon is termed the "final common pathway" for the disease.
Alcoholic liver disease is a major public health problem. For example, in the United States up to two million people have alcohol-related liver disorders. [151] Chronic heavy alcohol consumption can cause fatty liver, cirrhosis, and alcoholic hepatitis. Treatment options are limited and consist of most importantly discontinuing alcohol consumption.