[Treatment of patients with subfulminant forms of viral hepatitis B using prostaglandin E1]

The efficacy of prostaglandin E1 was demonstrated in the treatment of 4 patients with subfulminant hepatitis caused by a virus B. Three patients suffered from hepatic enchepalopathy of the first degree, and the remaining one of the second degree. In three patients the clinical and biochemical improvement came relatively quickly, followed by recovery. In one patient, due to drug intolerance, the treatment was discontinued on the third day. The recurrence of illness was noted with the moderate increase of serum aminotransferases activities without clinical deterioration, necessitating no further use of prostaglandin E1. Prostaglandin E1, applied in the treatment of patients with subfulminant form of hepatitis, has favorable effect on the course of illness.