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Complement studies in severe viral hepatitis of childhood
Pathologie-Biologie
|October 1, 1977
Summary
Severe viral hepatitis and toxic hepatitis in children significantly decrease complement (C) levels. Low C levels indicate poor prognosis, suggesting consumption and deficient synthesis contribute to complement depression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Complement (C) system plays a crucial role in immune responses.
- Severe liver disease can impact systemic complement levels.
- Understanding complement's role in hepatitis is vital for prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate complement component levels in children with severe viral hepatitis.
- To compare complement profiles in viral vs. toxic hepatitis.
- To correlate complement levels with patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Studied hemolytic activities and serum concentrations of complement and its components.
- Analyzed 18 children with severe viral hepatitis and 8 with toxic hepatitis (Amanita Phalloïdes).
- Performed sequential determinations and observed responses to plasma/blood transfusions.
Main Results:
- Markedly decreased complement and component levels were observed in both patient groups.
- Low complement levels persisted in non-survivors, while survivors showed normalization.
- Complement levels rapidly decreased after transfusions in viral hepatitis patients, with C4 cleavage noted.
Conclusions:
- Complement depression in fulminant viral hepatitis results from both consumption and deficient synthesis.
- Complement component levels can serve as a prognostic indicator in severe hepatitis.
- C4 cleavage is a significant finding in these patients.