Liver function tests in persons receiving anticonvulsant medications

Abstract Liver function tests were carried out in 206 adults and children taking anticonvulsants to ascertain the prevalence of biochemical abnormalities in asymptomatic patients. It was observed that serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase was elevated in 74.6% of patients, alkaline phosphatase in 29.7% and alanine aminotransferase in 25.2% of cases. These figures are similar to those previously reported in the literature and probably reflect hepatic enzyme induction by the anticonvulsants. It is suggested that there is no value in the routine performance of liver function tests in patients with epilepsy. However, such patients should be informed of the symptoms of hepatic dysfunction and asked to report for liver function tests should they have such symptoms.