Hepatotoxicity, a global problem with local features: toward the creation of a Pan-American Hepatotoxicity Network

Drug-induced liver damage is one of the most complex liver diseases due to its similar presentation to other acute or chronic liver processes, its potential severity and the absence of specific biomarkers to confirm diagnosis, which is based on clinical suspicion and exclusion of alternative causes. Because the drug development process fails to completely screen out hepatotoxic molecules and identify susceptible individuals, postmarketing pharmacovigilance remains essential. Hepatotoxicity registries are the ideal instrument for systematic and continual data collection, using preestablished criteria based on consensus. The present article briefly describes the contributions of the Spanish Hepatotoxicity Registry and those of other international registries. Hopefully, Latin American registries will be incorporated into existing initiatives, which will stimulate research and improve understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in this adverse reaction. (C) 2010 Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.