Influence of long-term anticonvulsant treatment on liver ultrastructure in man.
In 35 patients on long-term anticonvulsant treatment (7-35 years, means = 19.6 years), various liver enzymes were measured. In 32 cases (91.4%), elevated levels of serum-gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT) were found. Liver biopsy was performed in five of 13 patients with GGT levels of greater than 60 U/l (75-257, means = 123 U/l). Light microscopy showed a minimal steatosis and fine granular appearance of hepatocytes in two cases, and a slight portal fibrosis in one case. Two cases showed an unremarkable histology. Electron microscopy revealed signs of enzyme induction as overall swelling of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and additionally a dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum in all five specimens. No signs of liver damage or disturbance of liver function could be observed.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000473:pathology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged
D000927:Anticonvulsants