Pituitary function test and endocrine status in patient with cirrhosis of the liver before and after hepatic transplantation.

Objective: Hormonal alterations caused by chronic liver disease are well described. In contrast, the reversibility of peripheral hormonal changes after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has only partially been analyzed since the establishment of OLT as treatment of chronic hepatic failure. In addition it is not finally verified if chronic liver failure and especially hepatic encephalopathy also affect pituitary function.