Effect of prostaglandin E on arterial ketone body ratio in hepatectomy.

We evaluated the effect of prostaglandin E (PGE) administration during hepatectomy on arterial ketone body ratio (AKBR), which is an indicator of liver function, and on other liver functions in the postoperative period. Eighteen patients were divided into two groups: Continuous intravenous administration of PGE (0.02 μg·kg·h) was started immediately before hepatic resection and ceased at the end of operation in nine patients (PGE group); the other nine did not receive PGE (control group). After hepatic resection, a significant increase in AKBR was observed in the PGE group. However, no change was observed in the control group. In the PGE group, total bilirubin and SGOT recovered more rapidly to the preoperative level than in the control group. These findings suggested that PGE might have a protective effect on the liver.