Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase alteration in hepatic schistosomiasis doesn't correlate with parasitic load and precedes ultrasound alterations

Abstract

Liver disorders are the major manifestations of schistosomiasis mansoni. Factors that account for increased concentrations of cholestasis-indicating enzymes in the hepatosplenic form of the disease are unknown. To assess the correlation between increased gamma-glutamyltransferase serum levels and both the parasitic load and ultrasound alterations in patients with schistosomiasis. Twenty-five patients with the chronic form of schistosomiasis were assessed for the presence or absence of increased enzymatic levels, for the parasitic load (low x medium/high) and for ultrasound parameters. Furthermore, analysis of prothrombin time and a platelet count were performed. Of the 25 patients, 13 showed increased gamma-glutamyltransferase plasma levels. No significant correlation was found between increased gamma-glutamyltransferase levels and the parasitic load, or between increased enzyme levels and ultrasound alterations. Nor did the prothrombin index or the platelet count differ between the two groups (normal gamma-glutamyltransferase levels and increased gamma-glutamyltransferase levels). The parasitic load explains no rise in gamma-glutamyltransferase plasma levels in patients with the chronic form of schistosomiasis, and conventional ultrasound is not a sensitive method to detect the alteration suggested by the increased enzyme level in those patients.