[Drug-induced hepatitis]

Drug-induced hepatitis still arouse many practical problems, as their pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated yet, given the absence of specific criteria. Drug-induced hepatitis are acute and chronic. Cytolytic hepatitis, cholestatic hepatitis and mixed hepatitis belong to the former category. Drug-induced hepatitis show various clinical and biological pictures, generally similar to those of viral hepatitis. In the most cases, the prognosis is good and their evolution favourable. Cytolytic hepatitis--the result of a wider hepatocytic necrosis--have a more severe prognosis. The most severe form is the fulminant acute hepatitis, a consequence of the substantial necrosis of the hepatic parenchyma. Chronic hepatitis appears after prolonged administration of some drugs with toxic action. Clinical and biological manifestations are not characteristic. Evolution towards cirrhosis is possible. Drug-induced hepatitis are treated by interruption of the drugs generating them. After removing the noxious agent, the disease resolution takes place in one or two weeks.