Hepatic Function Studies in Lymphogranuloma Venereum

Hepatic function has been studied in a number of diseases in which the liver is not primarily involved.* The present report is one of a series of studies on the incidence and significance of abnormal hepatic function in systemic disease.† Hyperglobulinemia is frequently found in such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis,¹⁴subacute bacterial endocarditis,¹⁵sarcoidosis,‡ systemic lupus erythematosus,§ malaria,¹²kala azar,²⁰and multiple myeloma.¹⁰Abnormality of flocculation tests of hepatic function in this group of diseases presumably represents alteration of plasma proteins rather than actual hepatic dysfunction.∥ Since lymphogranuloma venereum is also characterized by hyperglobulinemia,¶ the present study was undertaken in an attempt to determine the incidence of abnormal hepatic function tests in this disease, as well as to determine whether these abnormalities are due to real or apparent liver involvement. The few reports ♯ which have appeared present conflicting views in supporting or denying hepatic involvement in patients with lymphogranuloma