Elevated liver transaminases among patients with psychiatric disorders

Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2024 May 1;39(3):195-200. doi: 10.1097/YIC.0000000000000514. Epub 2024 Mar 25.

Abstract

Hepatocyte injury is assessed by serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase estimation. In psychiatric populations, antipsychotic drugs (AD) are culprit in hepatic dysfunction. To assess transaminitis among psychiatric patients treated by AD. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Zagazig University Hospitals in Egypt, from December 2022 to February 2023. A total of 135 adult patients aged ≥ 18 years, were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders after exclusion of patients receiving any hepatotoxic drugs, viral hepatitis, having chronic liver or kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus, mental retardation, and pregnant females. Among the 135 patients, 104 (77.0%) were males. Their age was 32 ± 9, The most popular used class of AD was atypical AD 84 (62.2%). The overall incidence of transaminitis among patients receiving AD was 23/135 (17.04%) of patients; 13 (56.5%) were on atypical AD compared to 10 (43.5%) patients receiving combined AD, without any statistically significant difference. The use of AD in patients with psychiatric disorders is potentially safe with minimal transaminitis (<one-fold elevation). However, baseline and regular monitoring of serum aminotransferase is recommended during treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alanine Transaminase / therapeutic use
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / therapeutic use
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver*
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Mental Disorders* / epidemiology

Substances

  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases