Liver disease in nonparenteral drug abusers

Liver function tests were performed in 500 young servicemen with a history of drug abuse. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) level was abnormal in 66% of 68 patients with a history of parenteral drug abuse. Forty-one percent of 432 patients with a history of only nonparenteral drug abuse also had elevated SGOT levels. A high incidence of liver disease in parenteral drug abusers is well established; however, to our knowledge, the magnitude of the problem in nonparenteral drug abusers has not been noted previously. Liver biopsy specimens in 34 of our patients showed either a classic viral hepatitis or a mild nonspecific hepatitis. Limited follow-up suggested a slowly resolving process. We conclude that hepatitis may be a common sequel to epidemic nonparenteral drug abuse.