Rectal mucosal hemodynamics, evaluated by reflectance spectrophotometry, in patients with chronic hepatitis.

To evaluate rectal mucosal hemodynamics in patients with chronic hepatitis, we employed reflectance spectrophotometry and examined the results in relation to the presence and severity of chronic hepatitis. Twenty-six patients with histologically diagnosed chronic hepatitis and 21 controls were examined for rectal vascular findings by endoscopy. Indices (I) of rectal mucosal oxygen saturation (ISO2) and rectal mucosal hemoglobin (IHb) concentration were measured. To minimize the effects of systemic anemia, the IHb was divided by blood Hb concentration, giving the rectal index for Hb (RHb). The relationship between rectal mucosal hemodynamics and the histological grade of chronic hepatitis was studied. Rectal vascular lesions were observed in three patients with chronic hepatitis (11.5%). The RHb in patients with chronic hepatitis was significantly higher than that in the controls (5.74 +/- 0.71 and 4.82 +/- 1.12, respectively; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in ISO2 levels (44.23 +/- 5.84 and 41.94 +/- 4.91, respectively). No significant correlation was observed between rectal mucosal hemodynamics and the histological severity of chronic hepatitis, although rectal mucosal hemodynamics changed in patients with chronic hepatitis. Early vascular changes were observed in the rectal mucosa of patients with chronic hepatitis.