Red Cell Survival Estimated by Radioactive Chromium in Hepatobiliary Disease

Abstract

Red cell survival was studied by radioactive chromium technique in 15 cases of hepatitis, 13 of cirrhosis of the liver, and 6 of extrahepatic obstructive jaundice. All patients but 2 with hepatitis and 1 with cirrhosis had a reduced t1/2 . No correlation was observed between the t1/2 values and serum bilirubin, hemoglobin, or other parameters of liver function. Administration of corticosteroids did not influence hemolysis. In cross transfusion studies the mechanism of hemolysis was extracorpuscular in the majority of our cases. © 1963, The Williams & Wilkins Co.. All rights reserved.