Haptoglobin in children with infectious hepatitis

Serum haptoglobin levels were determined several times during the course of the disease in children with infectious hepatitis. At the onset of uncomplicated acute hepatitis the serum haptoglobin is in the normal range. There is a significant temporary rise in serum haptoglobin during the recovery stage of the disease, after which it returns to normal. The absence of this rise or the fall of serum haptoglobin below normal level are unfavorable prognostic signs, indicating the transition of the disease to the subacute or chronic form.