Serum interleukin-6 and hepatocyte growth factor levels in patients after hepatectomy

To examine whether serum hepatocyte growth factor and interleukin-6 levels are early parameters of postoperative liver dysfunction after hepatectomy.

The serum levels of hepatocyte growth factor and interleukin-6 were measured in 16 hepatectomized patients on the day of surgery (before surgery, immediately after hepatectomy, after completion of surgery) and on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5. Serum liver function tests were determined for 14 days after surgery and their results were correlated with serum interleukin-6 and hepatocyte growth factor levels.

Serum interleukin-6 and hepatocyte growth factor levels were elevated after surgery and these values were higher in patients who underwent hepatectomy greater than lobectomy in magnitude. The mean maximum value of interleukin-6 appeared on day 0 and was earlier than that of hepatocyte growth factor, which was found on day 1. Serum total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase levels reached the maximum within 5 days after surgery. Multiple regression analysis showed that serum levels of interleukin-6 and hepatocyte growth factor on day 0 after surgery were significantly correlated with the postoperative maximum total bilirubin level (P < 0.0001). The maximum interleukin-6 level but not hepatocyte growth factor significantly correlated with the postoperative maximum bilirubin level (P < 0.02).

Both the serum interleukin-6 and hepatocyte growth factor levels are likely early indicators of postoperative liver dysfunction in patients after hepatectomy.