[Significance of serum immunoglobulins for the diagnosis of alcohol-induced liver diseases]

Abstract

Serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) were prospectively determined in 524 consecutive patients with degenerative liver damage (mainly steatosis), fibrosis, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis, proven by biopsy or visually. Concerning alcohol consumption all patients were assigned to two groups according to previously defined criteria; those with regular alcohol abuse (at least 80 g/d) and those without or with irregular alcohol intake. Serum concentrations of all immunoglobulin classes significantly increased with progredient liver parenchymal destruction from steatosis to chronic hepatitis and fibrosis to cirrhosis. Significant differences in immunoglobulins, especially in IgA, between patients with or without alcohol consumption were not observed. These results indicate that serum immunoglobulin concentrations are related to the degree and not to the etiology (alcoholic/non alcoholic) of liver damage.