Hepatocytic hemostatic dysfunction in hepatitis-B and hepatitis-C cariers [blood donors]

ABSTRACT

The liver being the main site of formation of the coagulation factors, as well as the main site for clearance of activated coagulation factors and plasminogen activators, is expected to influence the hemostatic mechanism even in apparently normal individuals, who have minimal liver derangement. In this study 2502 apparently normal blood donors were screened for hepatitis-B and hepatitis- C markers as well as other body system check-up. Only 100 hepatitis patients were found suitable for the study, having free body systems, and are symptomless. They were compared with an equal age, sex, and environment matched group of individuals [n=20]. Factors 11, V, VII, IX and X were assayed in all cases. Twenty one HBsAg positive blood donors and 79 anti-HCV positive blood donors showed statistically significant reduction in the level of all the above coagulation factors when compared to control group. Alanine transferase [ALT] and aspartate transferase [AST] did not show any statistical variation in both groups in relation to the control subjects. Factors II and VII activity assay proved to be the most sensitive indicators for the subtil liver derangement as liver enzymes, ALT and AST levels were within normal values in all the above studied cases