A retrospective was designed to analyse the mode of presentation, clinical signs and haematological and biochemical abnormalities in 225 consecutive Black (Zulu) patients who were admitted to a general medical ward between the years 1970 and 1981 and in whom cirrhosis was later diagnosed. The most common presenting complaint was swelling of the body (60% of the patients), followed by abdominal pain (32%) and episodes of bleeding, mainly from the gastrointestinal tract (19%). On examination, hepatomegaly was encountered in 66% of the patients, with moderate to massive enlargement in 40%. Ascites was detected in 56%, with tense abdominal distension in 34%. Jaundice was present in 38% and emaciation, mental disturbance and splenomegaly in over 25%. Spider naevi (found in 2 patients) and Dupuytren's contracture (found in 1) were very rare. Thrombocytopenia and a high ESR were common. Over 90% of patients had low albumin and high globulin concentrations (albumin less than 20 g/dl and globulin greater than 60 g/dl in 25%). Bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels and the prothrombin index were found to be within normal limits in 32%, 24% and 52% of cases respectively. Histologically the lesion was most commonly micronodular (73%) with variable deposits of fat and iron. Peritoneoscopy was the most useful special investigation in the diagnosis of cirrhosis, leading to a correct diagnosis in 77% of cases. In conclusion, the clinical signs, biochemical abnormalities and histological features suggest that the factors causing cirrhosis in the community studied are mixed; it may result from the combined effects of alcohol abuse, malnutrition and chronic viral (e.g. hepatitis B) infections.
Abdomen Adolescent