Charlottesville: Liver injuries linked to medicines, supplements, alcohol and other foreign substances have increased sharply in the United States, according to research from UVA Health.
Cases rise nearly fourfold
Researchers led by Christopher P. Holstege, MD, examined reports made to US poison centres between 2000 and 2024 involving liver injuries caused by xenobiotics — substances foreign to the body.
The study identified 220,160 cases during the 24-year period. After adjusting for population size, reported exposure-related liver injuries increased from 10.9 cases per million people to 52.9 cases per million, representing an increase of nearly 400 per cent.
More than 80 per cent of the reported cases resulted in inpatient care, highlighting the potential seriousness of these injuries.
Medicines account for most cases
Medications were the most common substances associated with the reported liver injuries, with acetaminophen identified most frequently.
Xenobiotics can include medicines, food additives, alcohol and environmental pollutants. The liver processes and removes many such substances from the body, but excessive exposure or the accumulation of toxic by-products can damage liver cells.
Severe injury can impair liver function and, in serious cases, result in acute liver failure.
Researchers said the findings highlight the importance of public awareness about potential liver injury from substances that are readily available to consumers.
The study also points to a continuing increase in xenobiotic-related liver injuries reported to US poison centres, underlining the need for greater awareness of the potential risks associated with commonly used substances.