Transit time, bacterial growth and electron microscope study of the small intestine in schistosomal hepatic fibrosis with portal pressure chances

ABSTRACT

Transit time, bacterial growth together with both light and electron microscopy of small intestine were studied in relation to different portal pressure levels in 23 patients with schistosomal hepatic fibrosis Schistosomal patients were divided into two groups the first included those without ascites or elevated portal pressure [100-150 mm H[2]0] while the second group comprised patients with ascites and a portal pressure varying between 180 and 400 mm H[2]0. Although all findings were within normal in the first group patients, yet those of the second group showed delayed intestinal transit time[80%], small bowel bacterial overgrowth whether aerobic or anaerobic [80%] along with mild, moderate or marked light and electron microscopic pathological changes which seemed to depend on the extent of rise of the portal pressure. In spite of the fact that all studied parameters seem to be of importance, yet further attempts should be made in order to clarify the role and sequence of event, each of these factors play, in induction of altered intestinal functions in hepatic schistosomiasis patients