Transketolase-TPP-effect in chronic alcoholics with various degrees of liver cirrhosis.

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Abstract
The use of the transketolase-TPP[thiamine pyrophosphate]-effect for the assessment of the thiamine status of chronic alcoholics with various degrees of liver cirrhosis was investigated in 36 alcoholics. The extent of the liver damage in these patients was established by clinical examinations and biochemical tests. Persons (14) showed no significant hepatic abnormalities; 5 patients had compensated liver cirrhosis, 7 slightly decompensated and 10 patients suffered from severely decompensated liver cirrhosis. The transketolase-TPP-effect is present in patients with severe liver cirrhosis; a decrease of the TPP-effect can be observed after oral thiamine administration in these subjects. The TPP-effect of patients with compensated liver cirrhosis was smaller than that of the subjects with slightly or severely decompensated cirrhosis. A relationship exists between the TPP-effect and the degree of liver damage, but no other correlations were established. [Chronic alcoholism is frequently associated with thiamine deficiency.].