Protein C activity in children with hepatitis

ABSTRACT

In the present study protein C activity was assessed in 40 children with acute hepatitis whose ages ranged between 4-12 years. The severity of hepatitis was judged by a prolonged prothrombin time in the severe cases and a normal range prothrombin time in the milder cases in comparison to the control group value. In the severely affected group [26 cases] SGPT and serum bilirubin were significantly increased compared to the control value [p<0.00l] while serum albumin was significantly decreased [P<0.001]. PTT and PT were significantly prolonged [P< 0.001]. In the milder 14 cases, SGPT and serum bilirubin were significantly increased [P<0.001], while serum albumin was statistically insignificantly changed [P>0.05]. PTT was significantly prolonged [P<0.001] and PT was within normal range. Protein C activity was significantly decreased [P<0.001] in both severely and mildly affected patients. PC activity can be used as a sensitive and early parameter for hepatocellular damage in acute hepatitis. Its value as an early indicator of recovery is to be investigated