Some observations on serum haptoglobin changes in cases of viral hepatitis and obstructive jaundice
Bilgrami, G.; Tyagi, S.P.; Qasim, A.
Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology 24(4): 285-289
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0377-4929 PMID: 7338405 Document Number: 179238
Serum haptoglobin level was estimated spectrophotometrically in 63 cases of viral hepatitis, 38 cases of obstructive jaundice and 50 healthy control cases. A statistically significant low level was observed in cases of viral hepatitis as compared to control cases. Much lower levels were noticed in cases who developed hepatic precoma and coma. By serial estimation of haptoglobin levels it was possible to predict the outcome of the disease. Levels in obstructive jaundice were higher in those cases where obstruction was due to stones. In 2/3 cases it was possible to predict the cause of obstruction. This test was found to be more effective in discriminating the 2 types of jaundice (hepatocellular and obstructive) as compared to serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase.