LONG-TERM EFFECT OF PROPHYLACTIC ENDOSCOPIC INJECTION SCLEROTHERAPY ON LIVER-FUNCTION

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the long ter m effect of prophylactic endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) on l iver function. METHODOLOGY: This study was a retrospective investigati on of seventy-eight patients with liver cirrhosis, whose liver functio n was classified as Child's A before follow-up. Laboratory data were r etrospectively examined before and after follow-up, and a comparison w as 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 tota l cholesterol levels deteriorated in several severe-variceal cases. Ho wever, these levels did not deteriorate over the 3 or more years of fo llow-up in the EIS group.CONCLUSION: Prophylactic endoscopic injection sclerotherapy among patients with early stage LC may prevent the dete rioration of liver function.