Persistence of Transaminase Abnormalities in Former Drug Addicts

A large group of ex-addicts in residence in a rehabilitation program were studied to determine their medical history of hepatitis, the frequency of SH/Au antigen, and the prevalence of liver malfunction. Fifty percent of our population had a history of hepatitis while using drugs. Among the whites, 58.4% had had hepatitis, whereas only 26% of the nonwhites had such a history. The frequency of SH/Au antigen by Ouchterlony technique (1.2/100) was consistent with that of previous studies. There was a significant decline in serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) values as a function of time free of drug and needle use. There was a 40% frequency of abnormal results (> 50 Karmen units/ml) in tests taken soon after entry into the program; in tests taken after 4 months and up to a year there was a 20% frequency of abnormal results. The persistent abnormal SGPT results and liver biopsy findings in several residents with persistently elevated transaminases showed a high frequency of chronic inflammatory liver disease among the population.