Evaluation of liver function tests in screening for intra-abdominal injuries.

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVES:

To determine the utility of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) in predicting intra-abdominal injury in blunt trauma patients.

DESIGN:

Descriptive review of 309 blunt trauma admissions during study period.

SETTING:

A 1,000-bed Level I trauma center in a major metropolitan area.

TYPE OF PARTICIPANTS:

Consecutive adult blunt trauma admissions to the trauma service.

INTERVENTIONS:

Serum levels of study enzymes were measured at initial evaluation and subsequent hospitalization. Results of all intra-abdominal evaluations were recorded.

MAIN RESULTS:

Significantly greater numbers of patients with SGOT and/or SGPT elevated to more than 130 IU/L had associated intra-abdominal injuries as compared with patients with enzyme elevations of less than 130 IU/L (52% versus 8%). All 18 patients with liver injuries had one or both enzymes elevated to more than 130 IU/L. Higher enzyme levels were more frequently associated with liver injury.

CONCLUSIONS:

Elevation of serum levels of the study enzymes is a marker for intra-abdominal injury. Levels in excess of 130 IU/L are relative indicators of abdominal computed tomography scan. Levels of less than 130 IU/L are unlikely to be associated with liver injury.

• Authors: P Sahdev, R R Garramone Jr, R J Schwartz, S R Steelman, L M Jacobs
• Journal: Annals of emergency medicine (Ann Emerg Med) Vol. 20 Issue 8 Pg. 838-41 (Aug 1991) ISSN: 0196-0644 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1854064 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Aspartate Aminotransferases
• Alanine Transaminase

Topics

• Abdominal Injuries (blood, diagnosis)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Alanine Transaminase (blood)
• Aspartate Aminotransferases (blood)
• Evaluation Studies as Topic
• Female
• Humans
• Liver (injuries)
• Liver Function Tests
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Trauma Severity Indices
• Wounds, Nonpenetrating (blood, diagnosis)