title: [The effect of alcohol and fatty foods on the P-alanine aminotransferase level in rheumatoid- and psoriatic arthritis patients].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The P-alanine aminotransferase level (P-ALAT) is used as a biomarker for drug-induced liver toxicity in rheumatic patients treated with methrotrexate and leflunomide. A rumour at Kong Christian X's Gigthospital states that P-ALAT analysed in the beginning of January should be taken with a pinch of salt due to an increased intake of fatty foods and alcohol through Christmas.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a retrospective study of P-ALAT, performed on 133 patients diagnosed with either rheumatoid- or psoriatic arthritis (median age 62 years) the change in P-ALAT over Christmas was recorded along with medical treatment and disease activity. A total of 88 patients were included, while 45 were excluded due to disease activity or change of drug-dosage.
  
  
  RESULTS
  P-ALAT increased significantly through Christmas. Treatment with methotrexate or leflunomide was not a significant explanatory variable but age was. Lower age predicted higher P-ALAT increase over Christmas. The changes in P-ALAT did not lead to changes in medical treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A statistical significant increase of P-ALAT was detected. This might be due to exaggerated consumption of fatty food and alcohol during Christmas or less likely due to heavy dancing around the Christmas tree. The increase of P-ALAT during Christmas is of no clinical significance. Although the rumor is true, there is no need for worries.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  not relevant.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  not relevant.
authors.affiliation: Vissingsgade 38, 6400 Sønderborg. c@bnissen.com
authors.forename: Christoffer Budde
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Nissen
authors.forename: Tine Elvander
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Falkenberg
authors.forename: Jette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Primdahl
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hørslev-Petersen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000378:metabolism*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D015535:Arthritis, Psoriatic / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D059305:Diet, High-Fat; D005260:Female; D006693:Holidays; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D008727:Methotrexate