Liver disease in nonparenteral drug abusers.
Liver function tests were performed in 500 young servicemen with a history of drug abuse. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) level was abnormal in 66% of 68 patients with a history of parenteral drug abuse. Forty-one percent of 432 patients with a history of only nonparenteral drug abuse also had elevated SGOT levels. A high incidence of liver disease in parenteral drug abusers is well established; however, to our knowledge, the magnitude of the problem in nonparenteral drug abusers has not been noted previously. Liver biopsy specimens in 34 of our patients showed either a classic viral hepatitis or a mild nonspecific hepatitis. Limited follow-up suggested a slowly resolving process. We conclude that hepatitis may be a common sequel to epidemic nonparenteral drug abuse.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D001210:Asia, Southeastern; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D002188:Cannabis / Q000008:administration & dosage; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D004796:Clinical Enzyme Tests; D003219:Confidentiality; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003932:Heroin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000503:physiopathology; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine; D008517:Phytotherapy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D014481:United States
D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D003932:Heroin; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase