Toxic Hepatitis - The Common Cause of Liver Failure

Introduction

The liver is a vital organ in our body that performs essential biological functions, including detoxification of toxic substances, digestion, synthesis of proteins, and growth. It processes almost everything we consume (chemicals, alcohol, and medications) and makes them less toxic to the body through detoxification. However, in some cases, these toxic chemicals may cause severe damage and inflammation to the liver, known as toxic hepatitis (toxic liver disease).

Toxic changes that develop in the liver cells after exposure to chemicals, alcohol, nutritional supplements, or drugs depend on the amount of toxic substances ingested and the duration of exposure. In most people, the symptoms associated with toxic hepatitis can be managed by removing the causative agents. However, in severe long-term exposure to toxins, there will be permanent liver damage leading to scarring of liver tissue and liver failure.

What Is Toxic Hepatitis?

Toxic hepatitis results from the reactive inflammatory changes that occur in the liver when the liver cells are exposed to certain toxic substances (chemicals, alcohol, drugs, nutritional supplements, and solvents). The liver plays a significant role in detoxifying and eliminating harmful chemical substances from the body. Certain therapeutic drugs, taken in large doses (Paracetamol) and even used at desirable levels (Halothane), may cause liver toxicity and damage. Other harmful chemical agents used in industries, laboratories, and natural chemicals are also responsible for inducing liver cell damage and toxic hepatitis. These hepatotoxins damage mitochondria, disrupt intercellular organelles' functioning and injure hepatic cells. In addition, toxic intermediates produced from the metabolism of these hepatotoxins cause oxidative stress and cell injury. Thus overall injury to the bile duct cells and liver cells leads to the accumulation of bile inside the liver and promotes liver damage leading to life-threatening conditions.

What Are the Causes of Toxic Hepatitis?

Toxic hepatitis usually occurs after exposure to certain chemicals, organic solvents, medications, and alcohol. Many medications and drugs that we use on a day-to-day basis can cause liver damage. However, the toxic effects of these substances differ for each person based on their body response.

The most common factors responsible for causing toxic hepatitis are the following:

1. Alcohol - Chronic alcohol drinking may cause liver damage when the amount of alcohol consumption exceeds the maximum tolerable levels. Heavy alcohol drinking and abuse over many years result in irreversible damage to the liver tissues leading to cirrhosis.

2. Industrial Chemicals - Occupational exposure to industrial raw materials and by-products containing toxic chemicals may cause liver damage. For example, carbon tetrachloride, herbicide paraquat, polychlorinated biphenyls, and vinyl chloride are common chemicals responsible for liver damage.

3. Medications - Many nonprescription painkiller drugs and specific prescription drugs are involved in hepatic toxicity and liver damage.

It includes the following.

• Acetaminophen.

• Ibuprofen.

• Aspirin.

• Diclofenac

• Naproxen.

• Statins.

• Anesthetic medications.

• Antidepressants.

• Phenytoin.

• Ketoconazole.

• Niacin.

• Azathioprine.

• Methotrexate.

• Antiviral drugs.

• Anti-rheumatic drugs.

4. Herbs and Supplements - Accidental or purposeful ingestion of large doses of vitamin supplements can cause hepatotoxicity and liver damage. In addition, some hepatotoxic herbs like cascara, aloe vera, ephedra, comfrey, kava, and black cohosh may also cause liver damage and toxic hepatitis.

What Are the Symptoms of Toxic Hepatitis?

In some individuals, the onset of symptoms may take weeks or even months after exposure to toxic chemicals or drugs. The severity of symptoms depends on the nature of the toxic substance that the body is exposed to and the tissue response.

The common symptoms associated with toxic hepatitis are the following.

• Nausea.

• Loss of appetite.

• Vomiting.

• Itching.

• Fever.

• Fatigue.

• Weight loss.

• Abdominal pain.

• Yellow discoloration of skin and eyes (jaundice).

• Headaches.

• Gray or white stool.

• Diarrhea.

• Dark-colored urine.

• Skin rashes.

How Can We Diagnose Toxic Hepatitis?

• Physical Examination - It included a thorough examination of the abdominal area for signs of pain, tenderness, and swelling. Detailed medical history regarding drug use, chemical exposure, and alcohol drinking habits will help the doctor to identify the potential cause behind the clinical symptoms.

• Blood Tests - Liver enzymes like alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) will be elevated in patients with liver diseases. Thus blood tests can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify the presence of liver damage in patients.

• Imaging Tests - Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerized tomography (CT) imaging tests can be used to diagnose liver pathologies.

• Liver Biopsy - In this, a small sample of liver tissue is obtained and examined under a microscope to identify the presence of liver cell damage and severe liver diseases.

How Is Toxic Hepatitis Treated?

The first important step in treating toxic hepatitis is to avoid further exposure to the toxic chemical or drug that causes liver damage.

Other treatments for toxic hepatitis are the following.

• Supportive Care - It includes the treatment of initial symptoms associated with hepatic toxicity. Intravenous fluids and medications can be given to manage severe nausea and vomiting.

• Acetylcysteine - It is used to reverse liver damage caused by Acetaminophen. Acetylcysteine is usually given within 16 hours after an Acetaminophen overdose.

• Liver Transplantation - Severe liver impairment leads to complete liver failure, and in such cases, liver translation is the only option to save the patient's life. In liver transplantation, a diseased liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a living donor or deceased donor.

How Can We Prevent Toxic Hepatitis?

• Avoid unnecessary consumption of hepatotoxic medications.

• Take medications in proper doses as directed by the doctor.

• Avoid or limit occupational exposure to harmful chemicals and solvents that cause toxic hepatitis.

• Avoid mixing the consumption of drugs with alcohol.

• Try to reduce or stop alcohol consumption.

• Avoid the use of hepatotoxic herbs.

• Keep chemicals and medications away from kids.

• Stop taking high doses of nutritional and vitamin supplements linked to liver damage.

Conclusion

Toxic hepatitis results from the inflammatory changes in the liver cells when exposed to toxic chemicals. These hepatotoxic chemicals include certain drugs, industrial chemicals, organic solvents, alcohol, herbal medicines, and vitamin supplements. Hepatotoxicity induced by harmful chemicals results in liver cell damage and liver failure. Therefore, early identification and removal of the causative agents are essential in preventing the progression of liver damage and improving patient condition.