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Alterations of liver function test in patients treated with antipsychotics
M Teresa Garcia-Unzueta1, Andres Herran, Deirdre Sierra-Biddle
1Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital "Marqués de Valdecilla," University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain. garcia.unzueta@yahoo.es
Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis
|November 14, 2003
Summary
Antipsychotic medications can alter liver function tests in schizophrenia patients. Depot phenothiazines were linked to more frequent liver function test abnormalities than other antipsychotics.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Liver function test (LFT) alterations are a known concern with antipsychotic use.
- The precise prevalence and specific LFT changes in schizophrenic outpatients treated with various antipsychotics remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of antipsychotics on LFTs in schizophrenic outpatients.
- To compare LFTs between schizophrenic patients and healthy controls.
- To identify factors associated with LFT alterations in this population.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated LFTs (AST, ALT, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, bilirubin) in 54 schizophrenic outpatients and 54 matched healthy controls.
- Assessed patients using Clinical Global Impression (CGI) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).
- Analyzed treatment-related variables, including antipsychotic type (especially depot phenothiazines).
Main Results:
- Schizophrenic patients showed slightly elevated transaminases without statistical significance compared to controls.
- Elevated alkaline phosphatase and reduced albumin and bilirubin levels were observed in patients.
- Approximately 10% of patients exhibited LFT abnormalities, with depot phenothiazines associated with more frequent alterations.
- PANSS negative subscale scores correlated with alkaline phosphatase and albumin levels.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of schizophrenic patients on antipsychotics experience LFT alterations.
- Both pharmacological (e.g., depot phenothiazines) and clinical factors (e.g., PANSS scores) may contribute to these changes.
- Regular monitoring of LFTs is recommended for patients on antipsychotic therapy.