Research on intestine permeability in patients with post-hepatitis cirrhosis

Objective To study the relationship of intestine permeability with post hepatitis cirrhosis. Methods Serum DAO levels were measured by Holt method and lactulose/mannitol absorption tests were performed in 96 patients (Child A, n =11; Child B, n =37; Child C n =48) with post hepatitis cirrhosis and 49 healthy control subjects to evaluate the intestine structure and function of the patients. Lactulose and mannitol levels in 5 hours urine were determined by gaschromatographic assay. Results DAO activity and lactulose/mannitol ratio were higher in each patient group than those in normal control group (DAO Child A 4.68±0.97, Child B 6.05±1.02, Child C 7.80±1.34 vs 3.98±0.93, P 0.05～0.005; L/M Clind A 0.039±0.007, Child B 0.068±0.012, Child C 0.119±0.023 vs 0.033±0.004, P 0.05～0.005), these abnormalities were more prominent in Child C patients. The levels in group with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP) was higher than those in non SBP group (DAO 7.67±3.03 vs 4.96±0.95, P 0.05; L/M 0.107±0.060 vs 0.042±0.007 P 0.05), and non SBP group higher than normal control (DAO 4.96±0.95 vs 3.98±0.93, P 0.05; L/M 0.042±0.007 vs 0.033±0.004, P 0.05). Conclusions The impairment of intestinal function barrier is one of the primary causes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with post hepatitis cirrhosis.