Reevaluation of protective effects of alprostadil on hepatic function in patients undergoing hepatectomy

BACKGROUND: The protective effect of alprostadil (PGE1), used during hepatectomy, on hepatic function has not been clearly proven. We reevaluated this effect by measuring serum alpha-glutathione S-transferase (aGST), which detects liver injury sensitively. METHOD: Thirty hepatocellular carcinoma patients scheduled for hepatectomy were randomly assigned to control (n=12) and PGE1 (n=10) groups. In the latter group, PGE1 was administered intravenously at a rate of 0.05 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) during surgery. For measuring alphaGST, arterial blood samples were obtained before anesthesia, following laparotomy, and immediately, 2, 4, and 6 hrs after liver resection. RESULTS: The alphaGST concentrations after liver resection were significantly higher, while mean arterial pressures were significantly lower in the PGE1 group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that PGE1 medication during hepatectomy cannot protect hepatic function during and after liver resection.