[Adenosine deaminase activity--an indicator of inflammation in liver disease]

Inflammatory liver diseases display higher levels in serum ADA activity compared to non-inflammatory ones. The most pronounced increases in activity are found in acute virus-induced hepatitis, in active liver cirrhoses, extremely high levels in some liver tumours. Due to correlative relations, the ADA is mainly attributed to the mesenchymal parameters by factor analysis. This can be validated by assessment of histological criteria. The highest correlation coefficient could be demonstrated for ADA in relation to all parameters under investigation by means of the semi-quantitatively evaluated mesenchymal reaction within the histological section. The determination of the serum ADA is valuable in assessing the inflammatory reaction of the liver and for diagnosing active cirrhosis in particular. Increases in activity based on an elevated nucleic acid metabolism in tumours and regenerative processes have to be taken into consideration. This interpretation is evidenced by correlative relations between the activity of ADA in liver biopsy homogenate specimen and the hepatic inflammatory reaction.