[Clinical characteristics and liver dysfunction in lymphocyte stimulation test-positive elderly]

In order to clarify the characteristics of the side effects of drugs in the elderly, we evaluated clinical features and liver function in 40 lymphocyte stimulation test (LST)-positive elderly. Their ages ranged from 64 to 90 years, with a mean age of 75 years. The major causative agents were antituberculosis agents, antibiotics and antiinflammatory agents, comprising 28%, 22% and 12% of whole drugs, respectively. Liver dysfunction, skin eruptions and fever were the major causes for carrying out LST. The mean latent period was 15 days, and in 80% of the cases, the side effect developed within four weeks after administration of the causative agent. Major clinical symptoms noted during the course were detected in more than the half of the cases. As for liver dysfunction, elevation of GOT, ALP and total bilirubin levels were noted in 76, 63 and 34% of the cases, respectively. These results showed that the hypersensitive side effects of the drugs could appear at any age even in the elderly, and clinical symptoms were often nonspecific and obscure. It was suggested that the presence of mild liver dysfunction and eosinophilia could be helpful markers for the early detection of drug-induced organ dysfunctions as well as careful observation. The possibility of the occurrence of the side effects must be considered on every drug administration. Presence of mild liver dysfunction and eosinophilia may be helpful markers for the early detection of drug-induced organ dysfunction.