Long-term effect of prophylactic endoscopic injection sclerotherapy on liver function.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the long term effect of prophylactic endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) on liver function.

METHODOLOGY

This study was a retrospective investigation of seventy-eight patients with liver cirrhosis, whose liver function was classified as Child's A before follow-up. Laboratory data were retrospectively examined before and after follow-up, and a comparison was made between the EIS group (n=21) and the non-treated group (n=57).

RESULTS

In the 3 or more years of follow-up, cholinesterase and total cholesterol levels deteriorated in several severe-variceal cases. However, these levels did not deteriorate over the 3 or more years of follow-up in the EIS group.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic endoscopic injection sclerotherapy among patients with early stage LC may prevent the deterioration of liver function.