RESUMO
We investigated serum cholinesterase II activity in cirrhotic patients with and without hepatic encephalopathy [n=40]. The enzyme was found to be insignificantly reduced [p>0.05] in patients without hepatic encephalopathy [n-=20]. By contrast,it was significantly reduced in patients with hepatic encephalopathy [p<0.05] in comparison with both control group and other group of patients. A significant correlation was revealed between enzyme activity and the grade of hepatic encephalopathy [p<0.01]. Statistical analysis did not reveal any significant correlation between enzyme activity and liver function tests in both groups of patients except for serum albumin in patients without hepatic encephalopathy [P < 0.05]. We assessed blood ammonia levels as well in this study, which was found to be less sensitive [35%] than serum cholinesterase activity [70%] in the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. In conclusion, our results indicate that serial estimation of serum cholinesterase II activity is valuable in the prediction of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients as the rapid fall in its level is highly suggestive of impending hepatic coma