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

Abstract

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. Descriptive review of 309 blunt trauma admissions during study period. A 1,000-bed Level I trauma center in a major metropolitan area. Consecutive adult blunt trauma admissions to the trauma service. Serum levels of study enzymes were measured at initial evaluation and subsequent hospitalization. Results of all intra-abdominal evaluations were recorded. 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. 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.