Procollagen type III peptide in the assessment of liver fibrosis in children with congenital alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.

In 31 children with congenital alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency the concentration of procollagen type III peptide was determined in a trial establishing liver fibrosis degree and monitoring of fibrosis progression. No correlation was found between the degree liver fibrosis determined by histological examination and the serum concentration of procollagen type III peptide. The concentration of procollagen type III peptide was higher with coexistent cholestasis and in case of inflammatory processes outside the liver (pneumonia). In progressing cirrhosis with inflammatory reaction the concentration was higher than in advanced cirrhosis and non-inflammatory liver fibrosis.