Changes in the constituents of blood cells among patients with alcoholic cirrhosis

Chronic alcoholism and hepatitis are the most common causes of cirrhosis. The severity of cirrhosis is commonly classified with the Child-Pugh score. In the course of the disease the typical findings are changes in the constituents of blood cells. The aim of the study was to assess separate constituents of blood cells among patients with cirrhosis. 152 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, who were hospitalized in the internal medicine ward, were qualified for the research. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the Child-Pugh score. In the analyzed group, there were 22 persons in class A, 56 in class B and 74 in class C. In all patients a complete blood count was performed. The amount of white blood cells in classes A and B of the Child–Pugh score was significantly lower than in patients belonging to class C. The amount of red blood cells was statistically higher in group A than in group C. On the basis of the statistical analysis, it was proved that the amount of platelets was significantly higher in group B than in patients belonging to group C. There was no statistically significant difference in hemoglobin concentration between all patients. The severity of cirrhosis leads to the diminution of red blood cells and platelets in a complete blood count. The amount of white blood cells increases with the damage level of cirrhosis.