Before starting statin therapy, what lab test should be checked due to potential hepatotoxicity?

Before starting statin therapy, what lab test should be checked due to potential hepatotoxicity?

• A. Urinalysis
• B. Liver function tests
• C. Renal function tests
• D. Complete blood count

Answer: (B)

Checking liver function tests before starting a statin targets the risk of hepatotoxicity by establishing a baseline hepatic status. Statins can cause elevations in liver enzymes, so having baseline ALT/AST and overall LFTs allows clinicians to detect preexisting liver disease and to monitor for any drug-induced injury once therapy begins. If the baseline is normal, treatment can proceed with periodic rechecks to catch any early elevations; if abnormal, the clinician may reconsider statin use or choose a different therapy and monitor closely. Urinalysis, renal function tests, and CBC assess other organ systems or conditions and don’t specifically monitor for statin-related liver injury, though they are useful in broader patient assessment.

Checking liver function tests before starting a statin targets the risk of hepatotoxicity by establishing a baseline hepatic status. Statins can cause elevations in liver enzymes, so having baseline ALT/AST and overall LFTs allows clinicians to detect preexisting liver disease and to monitor for any drug-induced injury once therapy begins. If the baseline is normal, treatment can proceed with periodic rechecks to catch any early elevations; if abnormal, the clinician may reconsider statin use or choose a different therapy and monitor closely. Urinalysis, renal function tests, and CBC assess other organ systems or conditions and don’t specifically monitor for statin-related liver injury, though they are useful in broader patient assessment.