Acquired C3 deficiency in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis predisposes to infection and increased mortality.

Abstract

Background-Acquired deficiencies of

Immune Alterations in Liver Cirrhosis: Its Relationship with Etiology,Child Pugh Stage and Malnutrition

“…The acquired C3 deficiency in patients with liver cirrhosis could explain an increased risk of infections through a deficit in the capacity of opsonization, although it has been reported that this parameter doesn't appear altered in a stable way in all patients [39,40]. In the study, results support this theory therefore with the worsening of liver function, a directly proportional decrease of these complement components were seen.…”

Alterations in neutrophil extracellular traps is associated with the degree of decompensation of liver cirrhosis

“…Diverse studies have demonstrated defects in bactericidal and opsonization capability; low levels have been reported of protein C3 of the complement, as well as deficiencies in the chemotaxis mechanisms [11,12]. To our knowledge, there are no studies to date that have evaluated the capability of neutrophils to release NETs in patients with LC.…”

Extravascular hemolysis and complement consumption in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria patients undergoing eculizumab treatment

“…Not surprisingly, similarly to individuals with primary deficiency of C3, it has been reported that patients with acquired C3 deficiencies have increased predisposition to infectious disease. (Ram, et al, 2010, Homann, et al, 1997As indicated before, we are aware that further studies with larger cohort are needed to raise definitive conclusions. However, our observation that the only patients in our cohort requiring hospitalization due to infections were two CR1-H/CR1-L heterozygote carriers may be a sign that special attention should be given to PNH patients carrying the CR1-L allele when they are treated with eculizumab.…”