Liver biopsies in epileptics during anticonvulsant therapy

Liver function tests, performed in 11 epileptics under antiepileptic treatment for 10-35 years, showed a slight increase in serum alanine amino-transferase in six patients and a marked increased level of serum alkaline phosphatases in four. Liver biopsies revealed few uni- or paucicellular necroses in five patients. Granulomatous hepatitis was found in one patient in whom sarcoidosis was later diagnosed. None of the biopsies showed signs of permanent liver damage.