Analysis for Combined Use of Low Molecular Weight Heparin and Statins Causing Transaminase Elevation in 32 Patients / 中国循环杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze the relevant factors for combined use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and statins causing transaminase elevation and to provide the reference for medication safety in clinical practice. Methods: There were 45 patients who received the combination of LMWH and statins treatment, then having ALT elevation in our ward from 2011-01 to 2012-12 were collected, by exclusion of patients with the history of high ALT at admission, interrupted treatment and incomplete record of liver function tests, a total of 32 patients were ifnally enrolled for investigation. The conditions for using LMWH and statins together, type of LMWH, timing of ALT elevation after medication and clinical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results: All patients received statins including simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and pravastatin, and 15 patients took statins before using LMWH including enoxaparin, nadroparin and dalteparin. There were 18 patients had ALT increased below 3 times of the upper limit and 14 patients had ALT level ≥ 3 times of the upper limit, and ALT elevation occurred at the average of (3 ± 3.8) days after taking LMWH. All patients stopped using LMWH upon ALT elevation and 16 of them stopped taking statins. The ALT level gradually decreased to normal by application of hepatic-protective treatment in all patients.Conclusion: Combined using LMWH and statins could cause ALT elevation, LMWH and statins may have synergistic effect, and therefore, the enhanced monitor of liver function is necessary when using the combined medication.