[Altered gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase serum activities in long-term anticonvulsive therapy--comparison of diphenylhydantoin and carbamazepine].

In 110 patients receiving a long-term anticonvulsant monotherapy with Diphenylhydantoin (DPH) and Carbamazepine (CBZ) the serum activities of gamma-GT, ASAT, ALAT, and AP were examined retrospectively. Elevated serum levels of enzymes were seen predominantly concerning gamma-GT and AP. 91% resp. 39% of patients receiving DPH-therapy showed increased gamma-GT resp. AP-levels compared to 64% and 14% of gamma-GT and AP-elevations by CBZ-treatment. All enzymes evaluated were more often and higher elevated by DPH than CBZ. Frequency and extent of increased activity of gamma-GT were highly related to daily dosage in both preparations. The proportion of pathological enzyme levels was associated with age in DPH and CBZ as well but not found to be significant. Sex differences in the frequency of increased enzyme activities could not be demonstrated. The results are discussed in the context of induction of cytochrome P-450-system.