TOTAL FUNCTIONING HEPATIC CELL MASS FOR ASSESSMENT OF PROGNOSIS IN LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Abstract

Various serum protein levels and values of dye excretion tests, which reflect total functioning hepatic cell mass, were determined in 99 cases of usual type of liver cirrhosis without hepatoma, to elucidate the role of these tests in assessment of prognosis in liver cirrhosis. Cumulative survival rates were calculated in two different groups which were devided according to the boundary value of each of these tests. The boundary value for each test was obtained by comparing the mortality rates for 3 years and by finding out the point where the mortality rates showed the gratest difference. Serum albumin and α 2-heat stable glycoprotein with relatively long turnover rate were the most useful in determining long-term prognosis of liver cirrhosis, and also useful for assessment of early prognosis. On the other hand, serum prealbumin with short turnover rate and ICG maximum removal rate were good indices to predict death with hepatic coma. Serum cholinesterase was useful both for assessment of prognosis and for prediction of hepatic coma.