Liver function, plasma dexamethasone, and DST results in detoxified alcoholics.
Alcohol abuse, alcohol withdrawal, and deterioration of hepatic function have been associated with abnormal dexamethasone suppression test (DST) results. Chronic alcohol abuse may also directly alter the pharmacokinetic disposition of dexamethasone. Plasma dexamethasone concentrations following a DST were determined in 53 detoxified alcoholics. Those with abnormal liver function had higher 4 p.m. plasma dexamethasone concentrations and lower DST cortisol concentrations. Those with normal liver function had lower plasma dexamethasone and higher DST cortisol concentrations consistent with induction of hepatic metabolic enzymes from chronic use of alcohol. The data indicate that liver function is one of the variables influencing dexamethasone disposition and DST cortisol suppression.
Carson
S W
SW
Division of Pharmacy Practice, State University of New York, Buffalo.
Halbreich
U
U
Yeh
C M
CM
Galanter
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000201:enzymology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008108:Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / Q000201:enzymology; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D003907:Dexamethasone; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D006854:Hydrocortisone