[Protective effect of prostaglandin E on hepatocytes and its value of early treatment of severe viral hepatitis]

An animal model of hepatocytic necrosis was established with injection of D-galactosamine into peritoneal cavity. Examination at regular intervals after injection showed that the level of increased serum TB, ALT and GST and the degree of histological changes in the liver were less marked in PGE-treated animals (n = 34) than those in PGE-untreated animals (n = 29), suggesting that PGE has definite protective effect for experimental hepatocytic necrosis. According to severity of the condition hepatic failure was divided into early stage, typical stage and late stage. A treatment group of 55 cases received PGE1 therapy and a control group basic support therapy only. The results showed that difference of the total effective rate was not significant between the two groups, but in the early stage of hepatic failure, the effective rate in the treatment group was markedly higher than that in the control group. In addition, incidence of hepato-renal syndrome was lower in the treatment group. We are of the opinion that division of severe viral hepatitis into three stages for evaluation of therapeutic effect is rational and useful and early use of PGE1 may show certain efficacy.