EFFECT OF FASTING ON LIVER ENZYMES IN PATIENTS USING METHOTREXATE: COHORT STUDY
Keywords:
Ramadan fasting, Methotrexate, Liver function testsAbstract
Abstract
Introduction: Ramadan fasting has several advantages in regards to different diseases. However, its role in chronic diseases and patients who are under treatment with specific medications remains unknown. The general objective of this study was to determine the effect of Ramadan fasting on liver function tests in patients using methotrexate attending Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in 2015.
Methods: This cohort study was conducted on patients under treatment with methotrexate in the Rheumatology Center, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Fifty patients were placed in fasting group and 50 in a non-fasting group. Patients were evaluated for liver function tests, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin before and after Ramadan fasting. For data analysis, IBM SPSS version 22.0 and descriptive tests, independent samples T-test and paired samples T-test were used.
Results: Liver function tests were similar in two groups before Ramadan fasting (p>0.05). Also, liver function tests were not statistically different between two groups after Ramadan fasting (p>0.05). In the fasting and non-fasting group, there was no statistically significant difference between liver function tests before and after Ramadan fasting (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The effect of Ramadan fasting on liver function tests in rheumatologic patients using methotrexate is not statistically and clinically significant. However, we recommend nutritional instructions for patients using methotrexate for Ramadan fasting.
