| Abstract: | Background: A low serum level (<100 mg/L) of the actin-scavenger Gc-globulin is a prognostic marker of non-survival in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). It is unknown whether decreased production or increased consumption (or both) is responsible for the low Gc-globulin levels. Methods: Ten patients with FHF and four patients with acute or chronic liver disease (AOCLD) with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) grades II-IV were included. Eight patients with cirrhosis (chronic liver disease, CLD) without HE served as controls. Total, free, and actin-bound Gc-globulin were measured in samples from an artery, a central vein, and a hepatic vein. In 12 patients (9 FHF, 3 AOCLD), concentrations were measured before and after high volume plasmapheresis (HVP). Results |
