Plasma activities of hepatic enzymes in patients on anticonvulsant therapy

The object of the study was to discover the changes in the plasma activities of hepatic enzymes in patients on anticonvulsant drugs. The plasma activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and glutamyltransferase (GGT) were studied in 123 unselected patients on anticonvulsants. The results were compared with 123 control patients not on anticonvulsants matched for age and sex. Patients with known liver disease were excluded. The plasma activities of AST and ALP were similar in the two groups. ALT and GGT were raised in patients on anticonvulsants. No patient developed clinical evidence of liver disease. It was concluded that raised ALT and GGT are not in themselves indications to alter anticonvulsant therapy. Changes in AST and ALP would be more specific markers of liver dysfunction in patients on anticonvulsants.