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Liver function tests in nonparenteral cocaine users.

R Kothur1, F Marsh, G Posner

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Interfaith Medical Center, State University of New York, Brooklyn.

Archives of Internal Medicine
|June 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary
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Cocaine use can cause mild liver enzyme elevations in some individuals. Severe liver damage from cocaine is rare, with most hospitalized users showing only minor changes in liver function tests.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Toxicology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Cocaine-induced hepatotoxicity is a recognized condition in both animal models and human case reports.
  • Nonparenteral cocaine abuse is a significant public health concern with potential systemic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and pattern of liver enzyme abnormalities in hospitalized nonparenteral cocaine abusers.
  • To determine if demographic or usage factors correlate with liver enzyme elevations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of liver function tests (LFTs) in 71 hospitalized nonparenteral cocaine abusers.
  • Analysis of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels.
  • Correlation analysis with patient demographics and cocaine usage patterns.

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Main Results:

  • 11 patients had mild elevations in AST (<28 U above normal).
  • 5 of those also had mild elevations in ALT (<12 U above normal).
  • 2 patients had isolated mild ALT elevations, and 2 had mild ALP elevations; no correlation found with age, sex, or usage details.

Conclusions:

  • Minimal elevation of liver enzymes is common in nonparenteral cocaine abusers.
  • Severe cocaine-induced hepatotoxicity appears to be uncommon in this population.
  • Routine LFTs may show mild abnormalities in cocaine users, but severe liver injury is infrequent.