[Predictors of hepatic functional reserve in cirrhotic patients]

We have determined the interstitial ratio, hepatocyte numerical density on area (NA) by the method of Luzex-F Image Analyser, and the level of serum prealbumin (PA), choline esterase activity (ChE) by agarose immunodiffusion and ratemetry in control group (14 cases) and 25 cirrhotic patients undergoing pericardial devascularization. The results were compared with traditional hepatic function grade (Child's Grade). We found that NA, PA, and ChE are independently useful in evaluating the hepatic functional reserve in cirrhotic patients.