Which statement correctly identifies the two main patterns of drug-induced liver injury?

Which statement correctly identifies the two main patterns of drug-induced liver injury?

• A. Hepatocellular and cholestatic
• B. Nephrotoxic and neurotoxic
• C. Cardiotoxic and pulmonary
• D. Hemolytic and immunologic

Answer: (A)

Drug-induced liver injury mainly shows up in two patterns: damage to liver cells themselves (hepatocellular injury) and disruption of bile formation or flow (cholestatic injury). In hepatocellular injury, enzymes like ALT and AST rise markedly, signaling hepatocyte damage. In cholestatic injury, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin rise more prominently, reflecting impaired bile secretion or flow. Some injuries can be mixed, showing both patterns, but these two categories are the primary ways the liver responds to many drugs. The other options describe toxicity to different organs (kidneys, nerves, heart/p lungs) or other mechanisms, not the typical patterns of liver injury.

Drug-induced liver injury mainly shows up in two patterns: damage to liver cells themselves (hepatocellular injury) and disruption of bile formation or flow (cholestatic injury). In hepatocellular injury, enzymes like ALT and AST rise markedly, signaling hepatocyte damage. In cholestatic injury, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin rise more prominently, reflecting impaired bile secretion or flow. Some injuries can be mixed, showing both patterns, but these two categories are the primary ways the liver responds to many drugs. The other options describe toxicity to different organs (kidneys, nerves, heart/p lungs) or other mechanisms, not the typical patterns of liver injury.