[Use of the "Multitest-CMI" in the evaluation of cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity reaction to antigens in patients with chronic diseases of the liver].

Delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity was assessed in 120 patients (among them 109 HBsAg positive), with chronic persistent hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis, and compensated as well as decompensated liver cirrhosis by simultaneous application of seven standardized antigens and negative control ("Multitest CMI"). In 21 patients, after 12-24 months the tests were repeated. The sum of indurations of all positive responses ("score") were calculated. Responsiveness measured as results below a normal values was related to the advancing of liver disease (from 13% in chronic persistent hepatitis up to 77% in compensated and 61% in decompensated liver cirrhosis). A comparative analysis (t-Student test) of the arithmetical means of the "scores" revealed statistically significant differences between results obtained in diagnostic groups. It was also dependent from the severity of liver disease. Patients with chronic persistent hepatitis (without specific treatment) and patients with chronic active hepatitis (treated using thymus extract, TFX - "Polfa") has showed an increased "score" values. In contrast to this group, all persons with liver cirrhosis without skin-responsiveness in the first and second tests (anergy) died at the period of 18 months. "Multitest CMI" can be of value in assessing of results of immunotherapy, as well as prognosis of the course of advanced liver disease.