[Alanin aminotransferase activity in veterans exposed to sulfur mustard]

ABSTRACT

Until now, few studies have focused on late effect of sulfur mustard on the liver; at present there is no data published on liver enzymes in sulfur mustard exposed veterans. The current study was conducted with the aim of determining alanine aminotransferase [ALT] levels in veterans exposed to sulfur mustard. In this cross-sectional study, 263 sulfur mustard exposed veterans were selected from among individuals referring to the respiratory clinic in Bagiyatallah hospital in 2005. ALT was determined in all subjects. Demographic data, exposure related variables, respiratory status and Body Mass Index [BMI] were collected. ALT over 40 unit/liter was considered as abnormal. From a total of 263 sulfur mustard exposed veterans, 43 [16.3%] patients had an elevated ALT level. Range of ALT was 3-94 with a mean [SD] of 26.43 +/- 15.22 unit/liter. ALT was correlated with the BMI [r=0.153, p=0.013]. ALT was not significantly correlated with age, grading of chemical and overall disability. Mean ALT levels in patients with BMI > 25 [28.81 +/- 15.05] were significantly higher than those with BMI less than 25 [21.93 +/- 14.58] [p=0.001]. Mean ALT level was higher in those with FEV1/FVC, in comparison to others [p<0.05]. ALT was not significantly correlated with other study variables [p>0.05]. Although any conclusion of the impact of mustard gas on ALT needs a controlled study, we mean while suggest serial measurement of the activity of this enzyme and other measures of liver status