Biomarkers of liver regeneration allow early prediction of hepatic recovery after acute necrosis

Acute toxic hepatic necrosis is common and may be fatal. Predicting clinical outcome may be aided by following serum markers that could indicate recovery or may signify massive (substantial) destruction of functional liver mass. Previously, in a published case of chloroform poisoning, we serially assayed serum biomarkers of hepatocellular necrosis (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase) and markers of hepatocellular regeneration (α-fetoprotein, retinol-binding protein, γ-glutamyl transferase, and des-γ carboxyprothrombin). We noted a decline in necrotic markers and a synchronous elevation in regenerative markers, which could be suggestive of a favorable outcome in similar cases. We now report 6 Amanita mushroom poisonings with favorable outcome and 2 fatal acetaminophen poisonings in which the same markers were observed. Our results further support our hypothesis that a sustained decline in serum markers of hepatocyte necrosis with a concurrent elevation in regenerative markers could aid in prediction of favorable outcome in patients with acute liver injury.