Table 9 Studies that have followed up patients from the general population after abnormal LFT

McLernon DJ et al. [31] Scotland

2009

Record Linkage; laboratory database of GP tests, hospital admissions and death certificates.

Bilirubin, Albumin, ALP, GGT, ALT, AST (transaminases sometimes combined). GP selected

Median follow up of 3.7 years. Risk of under ascertainment.

Pendino GM et al. [35] Italy

2005

Prospective Cohort Study; general population.

AST, ALT, GGT.

High baseline rate of viral hepatitis; 5.6%.

Kim HC et al. [30] Korea

2004

Record Linkage: insurance data and death certificates.

AST, ALT.

Outcome was liver disease mortality.

Yano E et al. [16] Japan

2001

Prospective Cohort Study; "healthy" office workers.

AST, ALT, GGT.

Assumed that all liver cancer and cirrhosis was a result of viral hepatitis.

Daniel S et al. [36] USA

1999

Prospective Cohort Study; primary care population.

ALT, AST raised 50% above normal on at least two occasions across a six month period.

Marker was negative patients only, so infected patients excluded from analysis.

Mathiesen UL et al. [37] Sweden

1999

Prospective Cohort Study; primary care population.

AST, ALT raised for at least 6 months. (ALP had to be normal).

Whitehead MW et al. [39] UK

1999

Prospective Cohort Study; primary care population.

AST markedly raised (10 times (>400 U/l) above the upper limit of normal.)

Bellentani S et al. [34] Italy

1994

Prospective Cohort; general population.

AST, ALT, GGT.

Hultcrantz R et al. [38] Scandinavia

1986

Prospective Cohort Study; primary care population.

AST, ALT moderately raised for at least 6 months.(ALP had to be below twice the upper limit of normal).