[Pathogenesis of Dupuytren's disease].

Liver studies performed in 47 patients with Dupuytren's contracture revealed a high level of hepatitis A contamination; in addition, procollagen III levels were distinctly lowered as compared to normal values, and liver enzyme values were pathologic in 32%. A disturbance of collagen metabolism must, therefore, be considered as a possible cause of Dupuytren's contracture.