[Systemic hyperdynamic circulation and serum hormone concentrations in portal hypertension].

In order to evaluate the pathogenesis of the systemic hyperdynamic circulation in portal hypertension, serum concentration of eight kinds of hormones including glucagon (Glu), aldosterone (Ald), renin (Ren), and epinephrine (Adr), and the hemodynamic parameters were measured in a series of 30 patients, of whom 23 were patients with liver cirrhosis, 3 were with Banti's disease, 2 with chronic active hepatitis, and 2 with pre-cirrhotic change. The average cardiac index was 4.6l/min, m2, with normal PCWP of 6.7 mmHg. CI. and SVR. showed significant inverse correlation of r = -0.767 (p less than 0.01), however, PCWP and CI did not have any significant correlation. Average serum concentrations of Glu, Ald, and Ren were 160 pg/ml, 139 pg/ml, and 5.4 ng/ml, respectively, all of which were increased up to 2.5 times above the normal values. Adr, norepinephrine, cortisol, estrone and estradiol were within normal limits. Of the eight hormones being measured, only Glu had significant correlation with both liver function tests and the cardiac index (r = 0.479, p less than 0.05). Neither Ald nor Adr had significant correlation with hemodynamic parameters.