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Reticuloendothelial function in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Prolonged alcohol consumption impairs the reticuloendothelial system (RES) functions, affecting both phagocytic and metabolic activities. This compromised RES function may contribute to increased infections in patients with alcohol liver cirrhosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Alcohol liver cirrhosis is associated with increased infection risk.
- The reticuloendothelial system (RES) plays a crucial role in immune defense and metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the phagocytic and metabolic functions of the RES in patients with alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis.
- To correlate RES function with liver function tests and clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 125I-labelled microaggregated human serum albumin to assess RES function.
- Performed liver and spleen scans in patients and controls.
- Conducted routine blood analyses, including seven liver tests and prothrombin time.
Main Results:
- Patients with alcohol liver cirrhosis showed significantly impaired phagocytic and metabolic RES activity compared to controls.
- Liver and spleen scans were pathological in all patients, correlating well with RES function tests.
- Prothrombin time was the liver test that best correlated with impaired RES function.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged ethanol ingestion hampers specific RES functions.
- Impaired RES function may partially explain the heightened susceptibility to infections in alcohol liver cirrhosis patients.