Comparison of Serum Prolactin Level with Child–Pugh Scoring System in Predicting the Complications of Cirrhosis of Liver: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic condition characterised by scar tissue replacing healthy liver tissue, leading to impaired liver function and endocrine disturbances. Hyperprolactinemia in cirrhosis results from reduced dopamine inhibition due to elevated circulating oestrogens. AIMS: This study assessed the relationship between serum prolactin levels and the Child-Pugh scoring system in predicting complications in liver cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 70 cirrhotic patients over 12 months at a tertiary care center. Inclusion criteria included patients aged ≥18 years with diagnosed cirrhosis. Serum prolactin levels were measured using radioimmunoassay. Disease severity was evaluated using the Child-Pugh scoring system. Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlations between prolactin levels, Child-Pugh scores and clinical complications. RESULTS: Serum prolactin levels showed a strong positive correlation with the Child-Pugh score ( r = 0.641, P < 0.001). Elevated prolactin levels were associated with complications such as ascites, portal hypertension, hepatic encephalopathy and oesophageal varices ( P < 0.001). Patients with higher prolactin levels demonstrated significantly increased 6-month mortality ( P < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under the curve = 0.98) highlighted prolactin's predictive value for mortality. CONCLUSION: Serum prolactin is a reliable biomarker for assessing cirrhosis severity and predicting complications. It complements the Child-Pugh scoring system and may guide early interventions in high-risk patients.