Influence of long‐term anticonvulsant treatment on liver ultrastructure in man

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
— In 35 patients on long-term anticonvulsant treatment (7–35 years, x̄ = 19.6 years), various liver enzymes were measured. In 32 cases (91.4%), elevated levels of serum-gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT) were found. Liver biopsy was performed in five of 13 patients with GGT levels of >60 U/1 (75–257, x̄ = 123 U/1). Light microscopy showed a minimal steatosis and fine granular appearance of hepatocytes in two cases, and a slight portal fibrosis in one case. Two cases showed an unremarkable histology. Electron microscopy revealed signs of enzyme induction as overall swelling of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and additionally a dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum in all five specimens. No signs of liver damage or disturbance of liver function could be observed.