Changes in Reticuloendothelial Capacity Associated with Liver Dysfunction in Multiple Trauma

Severe trauma is often complicated by the development of multiple organ system failure. In this context mainly dysfunction syndromes of lung and kidney have been described. Distinct disturbances of hepatic function have frequently been noticed. In some cases, however, severe liver failure is seen mostly in association with posttraumatic sepsis [7]. The pathomechanisms relating disturbances of hepatic blood flow, liver cell integrity, and the function of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) in the liver have so far not been clarified [1, 4, 10].