[Marked hypertransaminasemia incidence in a health department in the autonomous community of Valencia, Spain (2002-2003)].

Background: Marked hypertransaminasemia (HT) is not an infrequent situation within clinical practice, which is usually interpreted as primary acute liver damage. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence, mortality rate and aetiology of marked HT among the general population, and the use therefore as an indicator of primary acute liver damage.

Methods: A retrospective study was made of all patients with marked HT (ALT >400 IU/L) which were attended over a two-year period at the Healthcare Department n 11 in the Autonomous Community of Valencia.