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Published on: May 7, 2015
Liver enzyme abnormalities in spinal cord injury
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital, Boston University Medical Center, MA.
The Journal of the American Paraplegia Society
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Acute spinal cord injuries often lead to elevated liver enzymes, including serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT). These elevations suggest potential liver injury following spinal trauma, though the exact cause remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hepatology
- Trauma Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord lesions can impact various physiological systems.
- Liver function abnormalities have been anecdotally observed following spinal cord injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and pattern of liver enzyme elevations in patients with acute spinal cord lesions.
- To determine the correlation between spinal cord injury severity and liver enzyme changes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels.
- Study included 18 previously healthy patients with acute spinal cord lesions (C1-L1) and no abdominal trauma.
- Data collected on enzyme levels, onset of elevation, and normalization times.
Main Results:
- Elevated SGPT observed in 76% and SGOT in 47% of patients.
- Both SGPT and SGOT levels were significantly elevated above normal limits (p < 0.01).
- Elevations occurred in 76% of quadriplegics and 60% of paraplegics.
Conclusions:
- Acute spinal cord lesions are associated with significant elevations in liver transaminases.
- The findings suggest a probable liver injury, but the underlying mechanism requires further investigation.
- Monitoring liver function is recommended in patients with spinal cord injuries.
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