[Study of various aspects of hepatic function and histomprphology in obesity]

Data regarding the commonest biohumoral tests of liver function obtained in 53 highly obese women of more or less young age, non-diabetic, non alcolist and without cardiovascular complications are reported. Liver biopsy was carried out in 23 of these patients for the purpose of studying the liver histologically. On the whole, liver function tests gave normal results: specifically, B.S.F. clearance was normal in 91% of the cases and retention at 45' was normal in 77%. Histologically, only 9% showed normal liver parenchyma. The vast majority showed a varying extent of fat infiltration and in 30% this was also fibrosis. No relationship was found to exist between the extent of histological changes and B.S.F clearance and retention values.