Chronic Hepatic Dysfunction in Heroin Addicts

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Abstract
Liver function tests performed on 69 non-jaundiced heroin addicts showed one or more abnormal tests in 52. Only 7 of 43 non-addict control subjects had any abnormal tests. The thymol turbidity, isocitric dehydrogenase, zinc turbidity, and thymol flocculation were the most frequently abnormal tests in the addicts. Only 3 of 57 addicts who were interviewed gave a history of jaundice, although 14 admitted prior association with jaundiced addicts. None of the addicts had practiced adequate sterilization of their injection equipment, and most of them had shared equipment with other addicts. The etiology of this liver disturbance is not known, but chronic viral hepatitis is considered a good possibility. Some heroin addicts are blood carriers of hepatitis virus and represent a serious risk as blood donors. Abnormalities in liver function tests may be a useful means of detecting addicts who attempt to conceal their addiction.

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