Abstract
We compared 20 chronic hepatitis cases with suspected liver cirrhosis on the liver function tests with other chronic hepatitis cases, analyzing liver function tests, clinical and peritoneoscopic findings and liver biopsy specimens. On the clinical findings, vascular spider and palmer erythema were found more frequently in the 20 cases with suspected cirrhosis than the other chronic hepatitis cases . In the liver function tests, we investigated 5 items, GOT/GPT ratio, ChE, ZTT, y-globulin and ICGR15 values and obtained statistically significant differences between the 20 suspected cirrhosis cases and the other chronic hepatitis cases . These cases showed more frequently diabetic changes of glucose tolerance tests and splenomegaly of liver scintigram . Peritoneoscopically, many small depressions were found in 10 cases and lobular distortion was higher than in the other chronic hepatitis cases. Under microscope, the enlargement and inflammation of Glisson's capsula, piecemeal necrosis and bridging necrosis were found in many cases. We thought that the causes of the changes in liver function tests in 20 cases suspected liver cirrhosis were due to severe damage of liver cells, strong inflammation of portal area and reduced hepatic blood flow.
