beta-Hexosaminidase level in serum from patients with viral hepatitis as a measure of reticuloendothelial function

The lysosomal enzyme beta-hexosaminidase was elevated in different forms of hepatitis. The enzyme level was correlated to the aminotransferases in the acute stage of hepatitis A and B. In hepatitis B there was also a correlation to ALP and bilirubin. In chronic hepatitis B a significant correlation was found only to ALAT. The elevated beta-hexosaminidase levels are attributed to defective non-parenchymal liver cell function in hepatitis.