Effet of Streptokinase Administration on Liver Function Tests

The effect of streptokinase (SK) on hepatic function tests was studied in two groups during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Group A consisted of 28 patients treated with SK, and Group B (10 patients) without SK administration. Liver function tests were evaluated by measuring bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (AP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) on admission and then on the first, third, fifth day, and the first, third month after AMI in Group A. In Group B the same tests were done on adminission and on the third, fifth day of AMI. The values were not significantly different on admission between the two groups. When compared with initial values, AP, ALT and GGT increased significantly (p<0.005) (55±13, 98±80, 63±55 lU/ml, respectively), especially on the first month in Group A. By contrast, liver function tests did not increase significantly in the two groups during AMI. In conclusion, a reversible increase in liver enzymes suggesting unicteric, cholestatic and hepatocellular damage was seen in patients treated with SK during AMI. Though SK did not lead to acute hepatic failure or chronic hepatic disease in these patients we think that we should be careful about the patients with known hepatic disease when we are going to use SK.