Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 10, 2026

The Murine Choline-Deficient, Ethionine-Supplemented CDE Diet Model of Chronic Liver Injury
07:27

The Murine Choline-Deficient, Ethionine-Supplemented CDE Diet Model of Chronic Liver Injury

Published on: October 21, 2017

12.5K

Ursodeoxycholic Acid Can Improve Liver Transaminase Quantities in Children with Anticonvulsant Drugs Hepatotoxicity:

Masoumeh Asgarshirazi1, Mamak Shariat2, Hosein Dalili3

  • 1Department of Pediatric, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. dr.m.asgarshirazi@gmail.com.

Acta Medica Iranica
|June 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) effectively reduces elevated liver enzymes in children with drug-induced hepatitis. This safe and well-tolerated treatment is recommended for managing drug-induced liver injury in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hepatology
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Background:

  • Anticonvulsant drugs can cause elevated liver transaminases in children, a condition known as drug-induced hepatitis.
  • Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) possesses cytoprotective and antioxidant properties, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in liver inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy and safety of Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in reducing elevated liver transaminases in pediatric patients undergoing anticonvulsant therapy.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 22 epileptic children (4 months to 3 years) with elevated liver transaminases due to anticonvulsants was conducted.
  • Patients received UDCA at a dose of 10-15 mg/kg/day for at least 6 months, after excluding other causes of liver injury.
  • Changes in transaminases and potential side effects were monitored; patients with confounding factors were excluded.

Main Results:

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) demonstrated effectiveness in reducing hypertransaminasemia in children.
  • The treatment was well-tolerated, with no adverse side effects observed during the study period.

Conclusions:

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a safe and effective therapeutic option for managing drug-induced hypertransaminasemia in pediatric patients.
  • UDCA is recommended for its efficacy and tolerability in treating drug-induced hepatotoxicities in children.

More Related Videos

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis05:56

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis

Published on: August 29, 2025

692
A Silver Nanoparticle Method for Ameliorating Biliary Atresia Syndrome in Mice07:48

A Silver Nanoparticle Method for Ameliorating Biliary Atresia Syndrome in Mice

Published on: October 13, 2018

8.1K

Related Concept Videos

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment01:08

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment

Hepatic impairment, characterized by decreased liver function, does not uniformly mandate adjustments in drug dosage. Whether dosage modifications are necessary depends on various factors related to the drug's metabolism and elimination pathways. If a drug is primarily excreted via the kidneys and bypasses significant hepatic processing, if it undergoes minimal metabolic transformation in the liver, or if it is volatile and primarily expelled through the lungs, dose adjustments may not be...
351
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess...
261
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment01:26

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment

Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.     
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is...
2.0K
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
859
Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors01:16

Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors

The biliary system of the liver, crucial for bile secretion and drug excretion, comprises intrahepatic bile ducts that merge to form the common hepatic duct. This duct, carrying hepatic bile, combines with the cystic duct, draining the gallbladder and forming the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum. Bile, produced by hepatic cells lining the bile canaliculi, is composed primarily of water, bile salts, pigments, electrolytes, and lesser amounts of cholesterol and fatty acids. Bile...
759
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug...
345