ABSTRACT
This study was conducted on 100 selected patients with chonic liver disease to find the relationship between plasma endotoxin level and the severity of liver disease. Twenty normal controls were in the study for Comparison. Patients were classified according to Child Classification into Child A group [30 Patients] and Child Band C groups [70 Patients]. Endotoxin level was assayed in the plasma of patients and controls using a quantitative chromogenic Limulus Amaebocyte Lysate Test [LAL]. The level of endotoxin was significantly in Child groups A, B and C than in the normal controls. Also it was found that the level of endotoxin in Child group B and C was significantly higher than in group A [P<0.05]. The endotoxin level was also significantly higher in cases with cirrhotic or mixed pattern than in those with schistosomal pattern [p=0.05]. It was found that the level of endotoxin correlated significantly with the incidence of ascites. It was concluded that endotoxaemia becomes more prominent with the progression of liver disease especially when associated with a mixed aetiology which may have its impact on the hepatic state and extrahepatic manifestationss