[Level of beta 2-microglobulin in serum of patients with acute viral hepatitis types A, B and C].

Serum beta 2-microglobulin concentrations were assayed in 14 patients with acute hepatitis A, 16 with acute hepatitis B and 10 with hepatitis C. Serum samples were taken from each patient in the first and the second week of hospitalization and in the period of aminotransferase normalization. There was a significant increase of beta 2-microglobulin level in every type of hepatitis compared to the control group. A raised serum beta 2-microglobulin concentration persisted during convalescent period. It decreased gradually in type A and B of hepatitis. Serum beta 2-microglobulin level during convalescence in hepatitis C was similar to that of first weeks of hospitalization.