Reciprocal Changes in Serum Albumin and Alpha-fetoprotein Levels in the Recovery Course of Acute Viral Hepatitis Stimulated by Glucagon and Insulin Therapy: Analysis of a Double Blind Controlled Trial

Overview

Journal Gastroenterol Jpn

Specialty Gastroenterology

Date 1989 Apr 1

PMID 2472994

Citations 2

Authors

K Fujiwara

I Ogata

H Oka

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The records of 57 patients with acute viral hepatitis (28 given hormones and 29 placebo) in a double blind controlled trial of one week of glucagon and insulin therapy were analyzed. In the placebo group, SGPT values dropped after treatment with improved prothrombin time and serum levels of total bilirubin and albumin. In the hormone group, they changed similarly, except serum albumin levels which were reversed during treatment (P less than 0.05). There was a bottom line of serum albumin levels which preceded a peak of serum alpha-fetoprotein levels within one week in the placebo group, but was around the peak in the hormone group. There were 12 patients in the hormone group in whom serum alpha-fetoprotein levels rose with treatment and decreased after its discontinuation, and 5 in the placebo group (P less than 0.05). Such a change in serum alpha-fetoprotein levels was accompanied by decreased serum albumin levels in 6 of 10 patients given hormones and none of the 5 given placebo (P less than 0.05). These results indicate reciprocal changes in serum albumin and alpha-fetoprotein levels appearing during the recovery course of acute viral hepatitis, and suggest that this therapy may stimulate its development. Stimulation of liver regeneration by this therapy merits consideration.

Citing Articles

Insulin and glucagon therapy of acute hepatic failure.

Fujiwara K, Ogata I, Sato Y, Tomiya T, Ohta Y, Oka Y Dig Dis Sci. 1991; 36(6):809-15.

PMID: 2032521 DOI: 10.1007/BF01311241.

Treatment of fulminant hepatic failure with insulin and glucagon. A randomized, controlled trial.

Woolf G, Redeker A Dig Dis Sci. 1991; 36(1):92-6.

PMID: 1702048 DOI: 10.1007/BF01300094.

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