Which lab test should be ordered to evaluate suspected statin-induced hepatotoxicity?

Which lab test should be ordered to evaluate suspected statin-induced hepatotoxicity?

• A. CBC
• B. Lipid panel
• C. LFTs
• D. Renal function

Answer: (C)

Evaluating suspected statin-induced hepatotoxicity hinges on detecting liver injury, so liver function tests are the best test to order. LFTs measure the enzymes and substances that reflect hepatocyte health and liver function, including ALT and AST (which signal hepatocellular injury), alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin (which can indicate cholestasis or bile flow problems), and overall liver function. In the context of statins, a pattern of rising transaminases points toward hepatocellular injury from the medication. Baseline LFTs before starting a statin help identify preexisting liver issues, and if toxicity is suspected, repeating LFTs after stopping the drug clarifies whether the liver injury is reversible. The other tests aren’t designed to assess liver injury: a CBC looks at blood cells, a lipid panel checks lipids, and renal function tests kidneys, not the liver.

Evaluating suspected statin-induced hepatotoxicity hinges on detecting liver injury, so liver function tests are the best test to order. LFTs measure the enzymes and substances that reflect hepatocyte health and liver function, including ALT and AST (which signal hepatocellular injury), alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin (which can indicate cholestasis or bile flow problems), and overall liver function. In the context of statins, a pattern of rising transaminases points toward hepatocellular injury from the medication. Baseline LFTs before starting a statin help identify preexisting liver issues, and if toxicity is suspected, repeating LFTs after stopping the drug clarifies whether the liver injury is reversible. The other tests aren’t designed to assess liver injury: a CBC looks at blood cells, a lipid panel checks lipids, and renal function tests kidneys, not the liver.