[Characteristics of viral hepatitis in addicts with consideration of lymphocyte membrane condition].

AIM: To study changes in the condition of lymphocyte membranes of patients with acute viral hepatitis B (AVHB) in narcotic addicts.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

136 patients with AVHB have been examined for endogenic intoxication (plasma levels of middle-size molecular peptides, urine levels of red cells). 74% of the examinees had practiced parenteral injections of opium substitutes. Measurements were made of lymphocyte levels of malonic dialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activity characterizing free radical lipid peroxidation, enzymes of the main metabolic cycles.

RESULTS

AVHB addicts often display antibodies to hepatitis C virus, high indices of endogenic intoxication.

CONCLUSION

Viral hepatitis was associated with enhanced intensity of lymphocyte membrane lipid peroxidation correlating with the disease severity and duration irrespective of concomitant drug addiction. Early convalescence in drug addicts ran with persisting metabolic disturbances in the immunocompetent cells. This is a pathogenetic sign of the disease transformation to the chronic form.