Assessment of autonomic nervous system function in patients with non-alcoholic cirrhosis

Abstract

Automatic dysfunction may contribute to the hemodynamic disturbances in cirrhosis. Tests of autonomic function were performed in 31 patients with non-alcoholic cirrhosis and 30 healthy subjects. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to child- Pugh,s classification ( A.B.C). The patients with moderate and severe cirrhosis( child B,C) had significant parasympathetic disturbance ( in the valsalva ratio) and the patients with sever cirrhosis( child C) had significant sympathetic disturbance in the forearm isometric exercise and cold pressed test. This results in severe cirrhosis which may contribute to the hemodynamic disturbances of cirrhosis.