Phagocytosis increased in peripheral blood neutrophils in cirrhotic patients after symbiotic ingestion.

摘要

Cirrhotic patients are highly susceptible to infections; infections are present in 40% of hospitalized patients and it is a major cause of death. Several immunologic complications have been described to explain this predisposition: deficient bactericide action in serum (like opsonin and complement defects), and also neutrophils dysfunctions. Hyperammonemia is frequently present in liver disease and its severity relates to the liver dysfunction stage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neutrophil phagocytic activity and serum ammonia levels in patients with liver cirrhosis before and after symbiotic treatment. Methods: Arterial blood was taken from 20 cirrhotic patients, before and after symbiotic treatment and then serum ammonium levels and neutrophil phagocytosis were determined. Results: The ammonium levels significantly decreased and the neutrophil phagocytosis significantly increased after 30 days of the symbiotic treatment.