Raised serum alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase levels in two rheumatoid patients treated with sulphasalazine

Ann Rheum Dis. 1985 Nov;44(11):798-800. doi: 10.1136/ard.44.11.798.

Abstract

Hepatotoxicity is a rare complication of sulphasalazine therapy in ulcerative colitis. This report describes two rheumatoid patients in whom raised serum levels of liver enzymes occurred soon after starting sulphasalazine treatment for their arthritis. In both cases the serum enzyme levels returned to normal after stopping the drug. Drug-induced hepatotoxicity should be considered in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who develop raised serum levels of liver enzymes while taking sulphasalazine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / blood*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / enzymology
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Sulfasalazine / adverse effects*
  • Sulfasalazine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Sulfasalazine
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alkaline Phosphatase