Serum beta-N-acetyl hexosaminidase levels in chronic renal failure

Serum beta-N-acetyl hexosaminidase (beta-NAH) levels, the indirect indicators of hepatic endothelial and Kupffer cell function, were examined in 16 anuric chronic hemodialysis patients, and in 11 patients in different stages of chronic renal failure (serum creatinine 2-8.8 mg/dl). They were found to be lower than those of the healthy controls, contrary to expectation. It might be concluded that nonparenchymal liver cells are functioning well in chronic renal failure. However, the possibility that production of beta-NAH in these patients is abnormally reduced cannot be excluded.