SERUM CERULOPLASMIN AND ALPHA-1 ANTITRYPSIN LEVELS AS MARKERS OF RECOVERY IN ACUTE VIRAL HEPATITIS

Abstract

Background: Acute viral hepatitis is a common problem in developing countries due to poor hygiene and inadequate sanitation. Biochemical alterations in acute hepaptitis have been well documented in literature. There has been a growing body of evidence in support of the role of inflammation and Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis of hepatic lesions. Ceruloplasmin is an important chain breaking antioxidant while alpha 1antitrypsin is an acute phase reactant. The present study was undertaken to ascertain the association, if any, between the biochemical parameters of hepatitis and markers of inflammation and antioxidant such as alpha 1antitrypsin and ceruloplasmin respectively. Methods: Patients presented with acute liver disease over a period of one month during December- January were evaluated prospectively. Fifty seven patients were enrolled after written informed consent. Result: Hepatitis A cause detected in 18 (31.5%), hepatitis B in 8 (18.0%) and hepatitis E in 9 (7.01%) patients. 30 were virally seropositive cases. 27 cases were non seropositive and there were no HIV or HCV positive cases. Hepatitis A was the most common and afflicted, particularly young adult teens and children, whereas hepatitis B and E were more pronounced among older age group. α1AT & ceruloplasmin levels were found to be higher in patients compared to controls & values were statistically significant (p<0.05).Conclusion: Significantly increased levels of ceruloplasmin and alpha -1 antitrypsin point towards the prognostic role of these markers in viral hepatitis.