Changes of plasma level of nitric oxide in cirrhotic patients and its clinical value

【Objective】 To investigate the changes of plasma level of nitric oxide(NO) in cirrhotic patients and its clinical value.【Methods】 Plasma level of NO were measured by nitrate reductase method in 58 patients with liver cirrhosis and 22 healthy controls.The hemodynamics and ascites of portal vein and splenic vein were detected by Color Doppler Ultrasound.Meanwhile the endoscopic appearances of their oesophageal varices were examined.【Results】 Plasma level of NO were higher in cirrhotic patients than in controls significantly.While the patients were divided into three groups according to Child-Pugh grade,the differences in these groups were Child-Pugh C Child-Pugh B Child-Pugh A.Patients with ascites showed significant higher plasma NO than those without ascites(P 0.01).Patients with oesophageal varices showed significant higher plasma NO than those without oesophageal varices(P 0.05).Plasma level of NO was positively correlated with congestive index(CI) of portal veins and splenic veins.【Conclusion】 Plasma level of NO is useful to reflect the severity of cirrhosis.The increased plasma NO may play an important role in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension.