Patients with stable uncomplicated cirrhosis have normal neutrophil function
R Kirsch1, V E Woodburne, E G Shephard
1Medical Research Council/University of Cape Town Liver Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa. richk@liver.uct.ac.za
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|December 29, 2000
Summary
Neutrophil function remains normal in patients with stable cirrhosis or extrahepatic portal hypertension (EPH). This study found no significant neutrophil dysfunction in these patient groups compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Hematology
Background:
- Neutrophil dysfunction is reported in cirrhosis.
- The roles of liver dysfunction and portal hypertension in these abnormalities are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate neutrophil function in cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
- To differentiate the impact of hepatocellular dysfunction versus portal-systemic shunting.
Main Methods:
- Assessed superoxide generation, phagocytosis, degranulation, leukotriene B4 release, candidacidal activity, and CD11b/CD18 expression.
- Compared 18 cirrhosis patients, 9 extrahepatic portal hypertension (EPH) patients, and controls.
Main Results:
- A minor, statistically significant decrease in CD18 expression was observed in stimulated neutrophils from cirrhosis patients (P=0.04).
- No other neutrophil function parameters differed significantly between patient groups and controls.
Conclusions:
- Findings contradict previous reports of impaired neutrophil function in cirrhosis.
- Suggests normal neutrophil function in stable, uncomplicated cirrhosis and EPH.
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