Serum transaminases during salicylate therapy.

In 8 out of 32 juvenile patients suffering from chronic polyarthritis and in one patient with dermatomyositis, raised transaminase levels were found; the salicylate level was above 35 mg/100 ml in all except one. Reduction in the salicylate level led to a prompt fall in the serum transaminases. Despite a rise in alkaline phosphatase in three cases there was no other evidence of liver dysfunction in the children. Only one of the adults showed a rise in transaminase levels, and she had mild cirrhosis.