Correlation between the level of serum growth hormone; somatomedin-C; anthropometric measurements and the liver functions in chronic liver diseases.

Twenty patients with bilharzial periportal fibrosis (group I); 20 patients with post hepatitic cirrhosis (group II) and 20 normal controls were chosen to study the correlation between the serum level of human growth hormone (GH) and Somatomedin-C (Sm-C); and the anthropometric measurements; liver function tests and various haematological parameters. Group I showed no statistically significant difference in the mean values of serum GH before and after insulin induced hypoglycemia. The basal serum level of Sm-C showed a statistically significant decrease and highly significant decrease after insulin test. A statistically significant positive correlation was evident between the individual values of serum level of GH and Sm-C and the anthropometric measurements, haematological values and liver function tests (r = 0.41). The mean serum level of GH in group 2, showed statistically significant increase before and after insulin test. The mean serum level of Sm-C showed a statistically significant decrease before and after insulin test. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the individual values of the serum level of GH and Sm-C and the anthropometric measurements, haematological values and liver function tests (r = 0.16).

Morbidity of schistosomiasis hematobia in an Egyptian village.

One hundred and fifty patients with active Schistosomiasis haematobium were chosen from Azizia village an endemic area. 50 healthy controls of the same age and sex groups were chosen. Patients were subjected to complete clinical and laboratory examination. Praziquantel orally in a dose of 40 mg/kg was given to each individual and its therapeutic efficacy was assessed by comparing the results of the previous investigations before and 3 months after treatment. The highest infection intensity was noticed in the small age group (A). There was a statistically significant increase of haematuria in this group, dysunia in middle age (B) and increase frequency of micturition & suprapubic tenderness in older age group (C). Ultrasonography showed partial calcification of bladder in 18% of cases in group A, 28% of cases in group B; in group C the percentage was 32% with 14% hydronephrosis, bladder mass 2%, stone bladder & ureter 6%. After praziquantel therapy there was a statistically significant (1) Reduction in haematuria, dysuria increase frequency and suprapubic tenderness (Z less than 1.96). (2) reduction of mean egg count in urine (3) significant improvement of Hb% (4) bladder calcifications showed partial improvement.