Coagulation factors and other plasma proteins during abstinence after heavy alcohol consumption in chronic alcoholics.

Coagulation factors and other plasma proteins were studied in 19 male chronic alcoholics during the first abstinence week after a period of heavy alcohol consumption. In spite of a decade of chronic alcoholism and a daily alcohol consumption before admission of more than twice the 'normal' alcohol-metabolizing capacity, the data indicated a well-preserved protein-synthesizing capacity. In fact, the mean levels of some liver-synthesized proteins were above the upper reference limits. Minor changes within the reference ranges during the abstinence suggested a declining acute inflammatory reaction after cessation of intoxication.