Markers of erythrocyte turnover are linked to liver cirrhosis stage

Background: Rheological stasis in the splanchnic system could induce erythrocyte sequestration and lysis during liver cirrhosis. Markers of erythrocyte turnover might therefore respond to the severity of portal hypertension. Hence, we investigated the relation between cirrhosis stage and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), as HbA1c derives from a chemical reaction which dependents on the lifespan of erythrocytes. Methods: Patients followed at Mainz University were prospectively enrolled between 2012 and 2013. Clinical scores (Child Pugh) and laboratory markers of erythrocyte turnover (HbA1c, reticulocytes, haptoglobin)…