Effect of long-term administration of paromomycin sulfate on the level of serum albumin and gamma-globulin in human cirrhosis.
The efficacy of administration of oral paromomycin sulfate on serum albumin and gamma-globulin levels was studied in cirrhotic patients. After an observation period of 3 months, paromomycin sulfate at 2.0 g per day or a placebo was administered for 6 months, and changes in serum albumin and in gamma-globulin levels were examined every three months. Out of 16 cirrhotic patients treated with paromomycin, 11 (68.8%) showed significant increases in serum albumin compared with one out of 16 in the placebo group. Concerning gamma-globulin, seven (43.8%) patients in the paromomycin group showed significant decreases compared with one in the placebo group. In addition, among the 11 cirrhotics whose endotoxemia decreased after paromomycin administration, eight (72.7%) showed significant increases in albumin level. It was suggested that paromomycin improves the serum albumin and gamma-globulin levels in cirrhosis through the alleviation of endotoxemia caused by intestinal bacteria.
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010303:Paromomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism*; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000378:metabolism*
D004731:Endotoxins; D012709:Serum Albumin; D005719:gamma-Globulins; D010303:Paromomycin