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[The effect of low-dose prostaglandin E1 on intra- and post-operative liver function].

We investigated the effects of low-dose prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on intra- and post-operative liver function in 109 adult patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery. Patients were divided into 2 groups; Control group (n = 42) and PGE1 group (n = 67). In PGE1 group, PGE1 was infused throughout surgery at a rate of 0.02 microgram kg-1 min-1. In both groups, anesthesia was maintained with a combination of inhalational and thoracic epidural anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia was maintained with 1.5% lidocaine infused epidurally at a constant rate (8 +/- 2 ml.hr-1). The continuous epidural infusion of lidocaine was initiated before surgery and discontinued at the end of surgery. Preoperative and postoperative liver function was evaluated with blood chemistry examination. Intraoperative liver function was evaluated in 84 patients (33 in control group and 51 in PGE1 group) by measuring plasma lidocaine concentration. Plasma lidocaine concentration was determined 1 and 3 hours after the initiation of lidocaine infusion and 0 and 2 hours after its termination. There were no differences between the groups in doses and infusion rates of lidocaine. In both groups, lidocaine concentration increased progressively as infusion was continued. Lidocaine concentration was significantly lower in PGE1 group than in control group at the end of the infusion. In 22 patients in control group and 35 in PGE1 group who received high-dose lidocaine (> 8 mg.kg-1), lidocaine concentration remained significantly lower in PGE1 group than in control group throughout the infusion period. The difference in lidocaine concentrations between the groups increased progressively as infusion was continued, though the doses and the infusion rates of lidocaine were not different between the groups. Postoperative liver function did not differ between the groups. Because removal of lidocaine from blood to liver parallels hepatic blood flow, the lower plasma lidocaine concentration in PGE1 group indicated that hepatic blood flow was higher and liver function was better-maintained with PGE1 during anesthesia and surgery. Low dose PGE1 thus improved intraoperative liver function during upper abdominal surgery.

Abdomen↗

[Loss of renal functional reserve following kidney transplantation and in patients with advanced disorders of liver function].

Renal functional reserve capacity was evaluated in healthy controls, kidney transplant recipients and patients with impaired liver function by simultaneous measurements of periodic clearances of inulin, PAH and creatinine every 30 minutes before, during and after infusion of an amino acid (AA) solution. During AA infusion glomerular filtration rate rose in 10 healthy controls to about 35% above basal values (inulin clearance from 107 +/- 6 to 144 +/- 7 ml/min, p less than or equal to 0.0005), renal plasma flow increased by 27% (PAH clearance from 530 +/- 25 to 675 +/- 40 ml/min, p less than or equal to 0.002). 8 renal transplant recipients with good and stable renal function (creatinine clearance above 65 ml/min) showed no rise in GFR and RPF, as did 10 patients with severe impairment of liver function and normal basal kidney function (creatinine clearance above 100 ml/min). The lack of renal functional reserve in kidney transplant recipients might indicate a hyperfiltration of the transplanted kidney. This could affect the longtime prognosis of these patients. The liver seems to play a role in the mediation of the amino acid-induced rise of GFR, supporting the hypothesis of a putative liver hormone regulating GFR after protein ingestion or AA infusion.

Adult↗

Dynamic tests to study liver function.

Two approaches have generally been used to assessing liver function: one is to measure the products of liver synthesis, the other is to monitor hepatic clearance function. The exogenous dyes that can be used to study liver function are sulphobromophthalein (BSF) and indocyanine green (ICG). One valuable way to measure hepatic function is to use non-toxic substances (stains, sugar, drugs) that are selectively metabolized by the liver and determine the rates of metabolism of these substances in vivo. The antipyrine clearance test is the most common and correlates well with the degree of liver damage. The caffeine clearance test is beneficial in severe liver lesions, but practically useless in the case of moderate liver damage. The galactose clearance test can be used early in the clinical course of jaundice to distinguish between hepatocellular disease and biliary obstruction. The MEGX test is useful as a real-time method for quantitatively assessing pre- and post-transplant liver function. In short, quantitative liver function tests are not suitable for use in screening for liver disease. They are more complex to perform and more expensive than conventional biochemical tests, but superior in monitoring the degree of liver dysfunction.

Humans↗

Liver function in acute viral hepatitis as determined by a hepatocyte-specific ligand: 99mTc-galactosyl-neoglycoalbumin.

Twelve patients with recently diagnosed acute viral hepatitis underwent serial 99mTc-galactosyl neoglycoalbumin scanning of the liver (for up to 8 mo). Injection of 99mTc-galactosyl neoglycoalbumin (150 mBq) at a rate of 3.5 mg (50 nmol; 1 ml) revealed that the liver is the exclusive site of tracer uptake. Simulation of 99mTc-galactosyl neoglycoalbumin kinetics allowed quantification of galactosyl neoglycoalbumin binding to human hepatic binding protein. Return of liver function test scores to normal values was associated in two patients with hepatitis A, in four patients with hepatitis B and in two patients with non-A, non-B hepatitis virus infection, with increases in hepatic binding protein concentration (up to three times the initial concentration), binding rate constant and hepatic blood flow. In the other four patients (three patients with hepatitis B and one patient with cytomegalovirus infection) a prolonged course of disease was monitored. In the mean, hepatic binding protein increased from 0.41 +/- 0.11 mumol/L after onset of acute hepatitis (n = 12) to 0.78 +/- 0.21 mumol/L after 6 mo of follow-up (n = 10) (p less than 0.001). During this period, binding rate constant (72.4 +/- 12.6 vs. 82 +/- 11.5 mumol/L/sec; p less than 0.05) and hepatic blood flow (0.027 +/- 0.0051 vs. 0.031 +/- 0.0083 L/sec; p less than 0.05) increased. Hepatic binding protein concentration correlated highly with actual laboratory test results for liver function (r = 0.98; p = 0.0001). We conclude that scintigraphic evaluation of functional liver cell mass using the new receptor-tracer 99mTc-galactosyl neoglycoalbumin could provide an in vivo diagnostic means of quantifying liver function and assessing liver morphology. In addition, our findings suggest that changes in hepatic binding protein-receptor concentration are likely to occur in vivo.

Acute Disease↗

[Studies on the risk factors for fenofibrate-induced elevation of liver function tests].

We evaluated risk factors for elevation of liver function test values after administration of fenofibrate to 45 hyperlipidemic patients. The effects of 23 factors of physical examinations, clinical laboratory test values, and the background of the patients on the elevation of liver function test values were analyzed by the logistic regression method. The increase of the values of liver function tests was found to be correlated with BMI, serum levels of triglycerides, and ALP before therapy, especially sex, serum gamma-GTP level before therapy and reduced serum triglyceride levels. These results suggest that caution must be exercised to avoid liver dysfunction in patients treated with fenofibrate.

Aged↗

Intravenous and intrapulmonary administration of honey solution to healthy sheep: effects on blood sugar, renal and liver function tests, bone marrow function, lipid profile, and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury.

Safety of intravenous (i.v.) or intrapulmonary administration of different concentrations of honey and their effects on blood sugar, renal and liver function tests, bone marrow function, lipid profile, and carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver damage were studied. Healthy sheep of either sex, 6-8 months old, were assigned randomly into the following groups: sheep received i.v. infusion of 5% honey in normal saline at 10-day intervals for 50 days and were compared with sheep that received 5% dextrose; sheep received higher doses of honey (50 g of honey) by i.v. infusion daily for 10 days; sheep received four higher doses of honey (80 g each dose) for 2 weeks; sheep received subcutaneous injection of CCl(4) after four doses of i.v. infusion of 80 g of honey, and estimations of serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (SGGT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) were performed daily for 10 days postinjection; sheep received i.v. infusion of 40 g of honey, and blood sugar estimation was performed for 3 h at 30-min intervals after infusion and compared with sheep that received 5% dextrose; sheep received rapid i.v. injection of 40% honey or 40% dextrose, and blood sugar was estimated before and after injection; sheep received various concentrations of honey in distilled water (0.5 mL/1.5 mL, 0.75 mL/1.75 mL and 1.2 mL/2.2 mL), and blood sugar estimation was performed before and after inhalation. Results showed that i.v. or intrapulmonary administration of honey did not cause any adverse effect. Intravenous delivery of honey by slow infusion caused improvement of renal and hepatic function, bone marrow function, and lipid profile. It reduced SGOT, SGPT, triglyceride, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, and blood sugar and elevated serum protein, serum albumin, hemoglobin, white blood cell, and neutrophil percentage. Similar results were obtained with the use of higher doses of honey. CCl(4) caused mild elevation of SGPT and SGGT and lowering of SGOT in sheep that received repeated i.v. administration of honey before administration of CCl(4), whereas in control sheep CCl(4) caused significant elevation of all the liver enzymes. Intravenous infusion of 40 g of honey caused elevation of blood sugar for 90 min postinfusion, whereas it decreased blood sugar at 2 and 3 h postinfusion as compared with fasting blood sugar. Dextrose caused significant elevation of blood sugar at all time intervals. Similar results were obtained with the use of 10% dextrose or 80 g of honey. Addition of honey to dextrose caused less hyperglycemia as compared with dextrose alone. Acute injection of 20 mL of 40% dextrose significantly elevated blood sugar for 3 h postinjection, whereas little elevation in blood sugar was obtained after injection of 40% honey; the difference between honey and dextrose was significant. Inhalation of honey caused significant lowering of blood sugar during and after inhalation as compared with fasting blood sugar and water inhalation. The effect was greater with a higher concentration of inhaled honey. It might be concluded that slow i.v. infusion or rapid i.v. injection of honey in different concentrations was safe and could lower blood sugar and improve renal, hepatic, and bone marrow functions and lipid profile. Intravenous honey had a hepatoprotective effect against CCl(4)-induced liver injury. Inhaled honey was safe and reduced blood sugar significantly.

Administration, Inhalation↗

[Primary sclerosing cholangitis: conventional and quantitative liver function tests during long-term therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid].

Primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic cholestatic liver disease, frequently leads to an impairment of liver function. In nine men and two women, aged 23 to 57 years, we prospectively studied for three to six years the effect of treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on liver function. 10 mg UDCA/kg bw significantly reduced serum activities of AP, gamma GT, AST and ALT for several years. After three years of treatment, however, serum concentration of bilirubin was higher than before therapy in eight out of eleven patients (1.8 +/- 0.8 versus 0.9 +/- 0.1 mg/dl; p = 0.01). Likewise, serum concentration of bilirubin was higher in eight out of nine patients after four years of treatment (1.3 +/- 0.3 versus 0.9 +/- 0.1 mg/dl; p = 0.03). In most cases, however, the increase was discrete. Parameters of synthetic liver function (coagulation, serum protein concentration, serum activity of cholinesterase) remained constant in the observation time. Quantitative liver function tests (galactose elimination capacity and indocyanine green half-life) also showed little variation in the observation time. We conclude that UDCA treatment significantly improves serum activities of liver enzymes for several years. Nevertheless, serum bilirubin concentration, believed to be of prognostic value in patients with PSC, seems to rise slowly over time. Serial determinations of galactose elimination capacity and indocyanine green halflife are not superior to conventional liver function tests in the timing of liver transplantation in the individual patient.

Adult↗

Effects of total and selective portasystemic shunting on hepatic haemodynamics and some aspects of liver function in the cirrhotic rat.

The effects of total and selective portasystemic shunting on hepatic haemodynamics and some aspects of liver function were studied in rats with dimethylnitrosamine-induced cirrhosis. Immediately following end-to-side portacaval shunting there were significant reductions in wedged hepatic venous pressure (WHVP) and liver blood flow. After side-to-side mesocaval shunting liver blood flow and wedged hepatic venous flow fell by approximately the same magnitude. Selective shunting (mesocaval 'H'-grafts and splenopancreaticocaval) preserved liver blood flow to a greater extent than total portasystemic shunting but had a less marked effect on WHVP. Furthermore, selective portasystemic shunting prevented liver atrophy and deterioration in liver function which was observed in rats following total portasystemic shunting. These results suggest that in the cirrhotic rat, selective portasystemic shunts which preserve functional liver blood flow and prevent liver atrophy and a deterioration in liver function do not produce such a marked decrease in WHVP as total shunts. Further studies in man are required to evaluate the relative advantages of total and selective portasystemic shunts.

Animals↗

Serum leptin levels in alcoholic liver cirrhosis: relationship with gender, nutritional status, liver function and energy metabolism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine serum leptin levels in alcoholic liver cirrhosis and the relationship with gender, nutritional status, liver function, energy metabolism, inflammatory state and refeeding. SUBJECTS: Thirty-seven hospitalized alcoholic cirrhotic patients (M/F: 24/13), 27 hospitalized patients at risk of malnutrition but with normal liver function (M/F: 15/12) as control patients, and 31 healthy control subjects (M/F: 17/14) participated. DESIGN: Liver function was assessed from Child-Pugh classification; anthropometric parameters and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured; caloric intake was evaluated over 5 days; and serum leptin and insulin were assayed. The same protocol was performed after 1 month refeeding in 22 patients. Healthy subjects were studied as controls for anthropometric parameters and serum leptin levels. RESULTS: Serum leptin levels were higher in male cirrhotic patients than in the other two male groups (P=0.0079) and in the same range in the female groups. They were higher in female than in male subjects in the three groups. In female cirrhotic patients, logarithmically transformed serum leptin levels correlated significantly with fat mass (P=0.0043), insulin levels (P=0.0072), REE (P=0.0133), bilirubin levels (P<0.0001), prothrombin time (P=0.0003) and Pugh score (P=0.0266) in simple regression analysis and with insulin levels (P=0.0137), but not with fat mass (P=0.0761), Pugh score (P=0.4472) and REE (P=0.4576) in multiple regression analysis. In the male cirrhotic and control patients, log (leptin) levels correlated with CRP (C reactive protein) (r=0.365, P=0.0223). Log (leptin) levels did not correlate with caloric intake in any of the groups. Leptin levels (P<0.05) and fat mass (P<0.02) increased with refeeding while liver function improved (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: There is a gender difference in regulation of serum leptin level in alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Insulin level is the best determinant of leptin level in female patients while inflammatory state related to alcoholic hepatitis seems to have a greater influence in male patients. Although leptin levels positively correlated with REE in female patients, there is no evidence that leptin reduces caloric intake and fat stores in these patients.

Adult↗

Liver function assessment in workers exposed to vinyl chloride.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate liver function in vinyl chloride workers and assess its relation with current/past occupational exposure to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). METHODS: A medical examination including the execution of liver function tests (LFTs) and liver ultrasonography was executed in a group of 757 workers with a long-standing service in the production of VCM/polyvinylchloride (PVC). Cumulative and maximum VCM exposures were calculated. History of viral hepatitis and alcohol intake were carefully investigated. Regression analysis explored the association between abnormal LFTs and a group of possible determinants (VCM cumulative and maximum exposure, BMI, age, history of viral hepatitis, alcohol and triglyceride levels). Also, synergistic effect between VCM and a history of hepatitis was analysed, as well as the possible association between VCM exposure and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine amino transferase (AST/ALT) ratio >1. Distribution of abnormal LFTs was also assessed in relation to the results provided by liver ultrasonography. RESULTS: The most frequently abnormal serum parameters were, in decreasing order: total cholesterol (27.3%), triglycerides (12.2%), total bilirubin (9.1%), gamma glutamil transpeptidase (GGT; 9.0%) and ALT (8.2%). The AST/ALT ratio >1 was present in 28.1% of workers. Abnormal LFTs were not found to be associated with current or past VCM exposure. High ALT resulted positively associated with BMI, AST with alcohol intake, GGT with alcohol intake and triglycerides. No synergistic effect on LFTs of exposure to VCM and a history of hepatitis was observed. The AST/ALT ratio >1 was not found to be associated with VCM exposure. The prevalence of abnormal LFTs was higher in case of liver steatosis (ALT) or periportal fibrosis (GGT), but not in case of pure hepatomegaly, as documented by ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS: Liver function assessment only including LFTs is not able to detect VCM-induced liver damage, but reveals alterations due to non-occupational factors, such as dietary and/or metabolic disfunctions. The LFTs are however of importance to detect conditions that could recommend avoidance of exposure to VCM and are useful for medical counselling and health promotion purposes.

Adult↗

Liver function tests in metastatic uveal melanoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate trends in liver function tests before detection of liver metastases from uveal melanoma. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative, observational case control study. METHODS SETTING: The Israel uveal melanoma center at the Hadassah University Hospital. PATIENT POPULATION: A total of 307 uveal melanoma patients who were diagnosed with uveal melanoma and followed between the years 1988 and 1998. Of them, 30 metastatic patients who had regular follow-up by liver function tests (LFTs) and liver imaging were included in this study. Eighty nonmetastatic patients were randomly chosen as controls. OBSERVATION PROCEDURE: The medical records of the metastatic and control groups were reviewed documenting LFTs and liver imaging results. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The mean level of each LFT, its sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio at various time periods before the detection of metastases by liver imaging. RESULTS: At the time of diagnosis of liver metastases by imaging, 50% of patients had at least one abnormal LFT (compared with only 5% of the control group). While no change was noted in the mean serum levels of bilirubin, mean lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline-phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma GTP) aspartate-aminotrasferase, and alanine-aminotrasferase levels seem to rise, even within normal limits, during the 6 months before the detection of metastases. Based on likelihood ratios, alkaline-phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase were the most predictive tests. Lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate-aminotransferase were already predictive at 80% of the upper normal limit, whereas alkaline-phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase were most predictive at the upper normal limit. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring the changes in selected LFTs, even within normal limits, can help predict metastatic uveal melanoma.

Adult↗

Levels and interactions of plasma xanthine oxidase, catalase and liver function parameters in Nigerian children with Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Elevated plasma levels of xanthine oxidase and liver function parameters have been associated with inflammatory events in several human diseases. While xanthine oxidase provides in vitro protection against malaria, its pathophysiological functions in vivo and interactions with liver function parameters remain unclear. This study examined the interactions and plasma levels of xanthine oxidase (XO) and uric acid (UA), catalase (CAT) and liver function parameters GOT, GPT and bilirubin in asymptomatic (n=20), uncomplicated (n=32), and severe (n=18) falciparum malaria children aged 3-13 years. Compared to age-matched control (n=16), significant (p<0.05) elevation in xanthine oxidase by 100-550%, uric acid by 15.4-153.8%, GOT and GPT by 22.1-102.2%, and total bilirubin by 2.3-86% according to parasitaemia (geometric mean parasite density (GMPD)=850-87100 parasites/microL) was observed in the malarial children. Further comparison with control revealed higher CAT level (16.2+/-0.5 vs 14.6+/-0.4 U/L; p<0.05) lacking significant (p>0.05) correlation with XO, but lower CAT level (13.4-5.4 U/L) with improved correlations (r=-0.53 to -0.91; p<0.05) with XO among the asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria children studied. 75% of control, 45% of asymptomatic, 21.9% of uncomplicated, and none of severe malaria children had Hb level>11.0 g/dL. Multivariate analyses further revealed significant (p<0.05) correlations between liver function parameters and xanthine oxidase (r=0.57-0.64) only in the severe malaria group. We conclude that elevated levels of XO and liver enzymes are biochemical features of Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia in Nigerian children, with both parameters interacting differently to modulate the catalase response in asymptomatic and symptomatic falciparum malaria.

Adolescent↗

[Effect of SARS-associated coronavirus on peripheral blood picture and liver function].

OBJECTIVE: To study peripheral blood picture and liver function of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and to accumulate more experience in prevention and treatment this syndrome. METHODS: The peripheral blood picture and liver function of 169 cases with SARS were analyzed. These patients were admitted to five hospitals in Taiyuan from March to May, 2003. RESULTS: Above 90.00% patients had normal or low white blood cell (WBC) count on the first day. From then on, during the second to third week, about 40.00% of the patients showed high WBC count average: (13.42+/-2.87)x10(9)/L at 15 th day and (13.68+/-3.26)x10(9)/L at 21 st day) and neutrophil (0.809+/-0.063 at 15 th day and 0.805+/-0.061 at 21 st day), and 21.97%-52.15% cases with low lymphocyte count (0.111+/-0.044-0.134+/-0.040). About 4.44%-12.76% of patients developed low platelet and 4.20%-33.33% of cases with low hemoglobin level. And 32.76%-62.50% of cases were found to have high alanine aminotransferase (above 40 U/L), 13.04%-40.00% cases with high aspartate aminotransferase (above 40 U/L) and 40.35%-72.00% cases with low albumin content. But serum total protein remained normal during the whole clinical course. CONCLUSION: SARS cases may develop leucocytosis, low lymphocyte count, low platelet count, low hemoglobin level and abnormal liver function.

Adolescent↗

[Beta receptor blockade and liver function].

The effects of propranolol on liver functions of healthy rats were studied administering daily doses of 1 mg/kg. Beta receptor blockade has been investigated in carbontetrachloride induced liver cirrhosis. Normal liver functions were unchanged with the exception of an increase in Glucos-6-Phosphatase. The severe cirrhotic injuries were counteracted or moderated when propranolol administration started the same day as CCl4 injection. The amount and function of mixed-function-monooxygenases were normalised. Carbohydrate and protein metabolism impairments were moderated. Serum triglyceride and HDL-cholesterin levels were however uninfluenced. The metabolic properties of propranolol seem to be advantageous in chronic liver impairments.

Animals↗

Liver function: test selection and interpretation of results.

Liver function tests are used to detect, specifically diagnose, and estimate the severity of hepatic disease. Effective interpretation of the hepatic function panel requires knowledge of underlying pathophysiology and the characteristics of panel tests. This article includes a working classification of liver disease, a list of liver functions with the tests appropriate to each function, and a guide to panel interpretation and further laboratory investigation.

Humans↗

Relative role of Tc-99m-diethyl-IDA and Tc-99m-sulfur colloid in the evaluation of liver function.

Imaging of diffuse liver disease is traditionally done with Tc-99m-sulfur colloid. The advent of Tc-99m-labeled hepatobiliary agents led the authors to reevaluate the role of Tc-99m-sulfur colloid. A total of 95 paired Tc-99m-diethyl-IDA and Tc-99m-sulfur colloid studies were performed in 61 patients (60 paired studies in liver transplant patients and 35 paired studies patients who had not received liver transplants). The following parameters were visually graded on a five-point scale: Tc-99m-diethyl-IDA clearance and time of appearance of appearance of intestinal activity; and Tc-99m-sulfur colloid liver size, bone marrow activity, splenic size, splenic activity, lung activity. Total serum bilirubin levels were used as the standard measure of liver function. The Tc-99m-diethyl-IDA parameters correlated more highly with total serum bilirubin than did the Tc-99m-sulfur colloid parameters in both the transplant and nontransplant groups. In conclusion, Tc-99m-diethyl-IDA appears to be the preferred radiopharmaceutical for evaluation of hepatocellular function, although both agents may be needed in certain clinical situations.

Bilirubin↗

Abnormal liver function associated with occupational exposure to dimethylformamide and glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms.

Dimethylformaide (DMF) is a major solvent predominately used in synthetic leather and resin production. Many human and animal studies have linked the cause of hepatoxicity to DMF. Previously, the authors demonstrated the significant dose-response relationship between abnormal liver function tests and DMF exposure and the interaction with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Taiwanese workers. Because the toxic effect of various chemicals can be modified by metabolic traits, the study also investigated the influence of the glutathione S-transferases (GSTM1 and GSTT1) on the toxic effect of DMF. The average DMF exposure concentration was 23.87 ppm (range 5.2-86.6 ppm) in the high-exposure (>/=5 ppm) group and 2.41 ppm (range 0.9-4.3 ppm) in the low-exposure (<5 ppm) group. There were 13 of 44 (29.6%) abnormal liver function tests (elevations of either glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) or glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT)) among the high DMF exposure workers, two of 22 (9.1%) abnormal liver function tests among the low DMF exposure workers. Chronic liver disease as determined by ultrasonography was present in seven of 44 (15.9%) high DMF exposure workers, and 0 of 22 (0%) low DMF exposure workers. There were 11 of 34 (32.4%) abnormal liver function tests among the GSTT1 null genotype workers, and four of 32 (12.5%) abnormal liver function tests among the GSTT1-positive genotype workers. Compared with the low DMF exposure workers, the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for abnormal liver function tests was 6.78 (0.94-48.7) for the high DMF exposure workers. Compared with the GSTT1-positive genotype workers, the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for abnormal liver function tests was 4.41 (1.15-16.9) for the GSTT1 null genotype workers. Compared with the low DMF group with GSTT1-positive genotype workers, the odds ratio (adjusted for HBV status) of abnormal liver function test was 12.38, 95% CI=(1.04-146.9) for the high DMF group with GSTT1 null genotype workers. This study indicates that abnormal liver function and chronic liver disease are associated with DMF exposure, and there are more than multiplicative interaction effects on abnormal liver function tests between the DMF exposure and the GSTT1 genotype.

Adult↗

Chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus in Bangladesh: a comparative analysis of HBV-DNA, HBeAg/anti-HBe, and liver function tests.

Serological markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV), liver function tests and quantitative estimation of HBV-DNA are important in the assessment of the state of infection and prognosis following treatment for hepatitis B. This study aimed to determine whether low-cost assays, eg hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and liver function tests, could be used for the assessment of infectivity as an alternative to HBV-DNA estimation. We tested 125 hepatitis B carriers for HBeAg, antibody to HBeAg (anti-HBe), and serum HBV-DNA; we also carried out a range of standard liver function tests. Seventy-three subjects were positive and 52 were negative for HBeAg. Of the HBeAg positive cases, 3 were also positive for anti-HBe; of the HBeAg negative cases, 5 were also negative for anti-HBe. Of these 8 cases, 7 had no detectable HBV-DNA. Most of the HBeAg positive but anti-HBe negative subjects were positive for HBV-DNA (74.3%; 52/ 70) whereas most of the HBeAg negative and anti-HBe positive subjects (93.6%; 44/47) were also negative for HBV-DNA. Of 56 HBV-DNA positive individuals, alanine transaminase (ALT) was found to be raised in 69.6% (p=0.066) and aspartate transaminase (AST) was raised in 66.1% (p=0.011), while 67.9% had normal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p=0.054). HBeAg (p=0.018) and raised ALT (p=0.008) were found to be independent predictors for HBV-DNA positivity among HBV carriers. This study suggests that HBeAg positive and anti-HBe negative hepatitis B carriers with raised ALT and AST are likely to be positive for HBV-DNA; the combination of routine serology and biochemical tests may be considered as an alternative to HBV-DNA in evaluating the state of chronic HBV infection. However, HBV-DNA should be specifically assessed if discordance is observed between seromarkers and transaminases.

Adolescent↗