Complement C3 levels in serum and ascitic fluid in liver cirrhosis

ABSTRACT

Serum and ascitic fluid complement C3 levels were estimated in 28 patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites and in 10 normal control subjects. Patients were divided into those with +ve ascitic fluid culture [22 patients] and those with -ve culture [6 patients]. Complement C3 serum level was significantly reduced in 28 patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites [P <0.05]. Serum complement C3 level was also reduced in patients who had +ve ascitic fluid culture [P <0.01]. There was also a significant decrease in serum complement C3 levels in 22 patients who had +ve ascitic fluid culture [P <0.05] and in ascitic fluid levels [P <0.0005] compared with those who had -ve culture