Reduced serum beta [formula omitted] globulin levels in extrarenal disease

Abstract

Twenty-two of fifty consecutive patients with serum beta 1c 1a globulin levels of 50 mg per cent or less had underlying liver disease, including eleven with probable Laennec's micronodular cirrhosis, six with congestive hepatomegaly, three with acute viral hepatitis and one each with schistosomiasis and chronic active hepatitis. Reduced levels of beta 1c 1a globulin in five patients with renal disease was associated with a greater reduction of total hemolytic complement than noted in nine patients with liver disease. The reduction of this serum complement component to levels of 50 mg per cent or less may be more characteristic of Laennec's micronodular cirrhosis than of either acute viral hepatitis or fatty metamorphosis of the liver. Depression of serum beta 1c 1a globulin was also noted in patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia, metastatic carcinoma, malnutrition, malabsorption and anorexia nervosa. Hepatic and nutritional diseases should be considered in the interpretation of reduced levels of beta 1c 1a globulin.