Long-Term Outcomes After Drug-Induced Liver Injury.

Purpose of the Review: This review serves to update the reader on emerging data regarding a spectrum of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) outcomes that lie between complete resolution and acute liver failure. Such outcomes can range from mild chronic injury to late liver failure and mortality.
Recent Findings: Several large registries are maturing with large numbers of DILI cases thus shedding light on outcomes including chronic injury and late fatality. We cover definitions commonly used to describe resolution versus chronic injury and mortality due to DILI. We look at rates of occurrence for these different outcomes in major registries. Three specific types of chronic DILI that are illustrative but also easily missed by clinicians are also described.
Summary: A small but important proportion of DILI cases do not resolve, going on to develop chronic injury and even liver failure. Defining and recognizing these cases is a challenge because DILI is rare, and chronic injury rarer still. Large registries are beginning to define these previously overlooked long term outcomes.
Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Paul H. Hayashi and Einar S. Bjornsson declare no conflicts of interest.