[Factors of nonspecific resistance in hepatitis B and acute hepatic insufficiency].

Studies of nonspecific resistance factors in grave forms of viral hepatitis B (VHB) have revealed their significance in the prediction of acute hepatic insufficiency (AHI) development and its unfavorable outcome. IgM and IgA levels were found the most informative as far as the prognosis is concerned; these levels were the highest in the patients with precoma eventuating in hepatic coma. C3 complement concentration was reduced in all the patients whatever the disease severity, but more so in those developing AHI, which fact may serve the criterion predicting AHI development in VHB; to add to this, C3 complement level reflects the degree of hepatocyte destruction whereas the degree of transferrin level reduction is explained by its impaired synthesis by the liver as well. Transferrin levels were reduced in all the patients with AHI.