Modifications of Liver Enzymes During Heparin Therapy

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Abstract
In a retrospective study, the modifications of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, Y glutamyl transpeptidase-Y GT-) and platelet counts have been analyzed in a series of patients treated with heparin administered cither intravenously (Group I, n=ll) or subcutaneously (Group II, n= 11) bccausc of deep-vein thrombosis. In the first group, a progressive increase of serum transaminases developed in all patients, reaching maximal values (3.1 times the baseline values for SGOT, 3.9 times for SGPT) after 7 to 8 days of heparin therapy. In 10 patients, a significant elevation of Y GT (2.3 times the baseline values) was also observed. No concomitant changes in AP levels or in platelet counts were noted. In the second group, similar but less pronounced modifications were observed: increase of SGOT (2.2 times the baseline values) in 7 patients, elevation of SGPT (3 times the baseline values) in 10 patients and of Y GT (2.2 times the baseline values) in only 3 patients. No significant changes in AP levels or in platelet counts were noted. All these modifications were totally reversible after discontinuation of heparin treatment and, in one case, despite its prolongation. Heparin therapy is associated, in the great majority of patients receiving the drug intravenously and, to a lesser extent, in patients treated subcutaneously, with a significant but transient increase of serum transaminases and YGT without concomitant fall in platelet counts.

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