14C-D-galactose breath test for evaluation of liver function in patients with chronic liver disease.
D-Galactose metabolism and demethylation of aminopyrine by healthy controls and patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) and cirrhosis (Ci), were assessed by a breath analysis technique measuring 14CO2 exhalation after oral ingestion of 14C-D-galactose or 14C-aminopyrine. Patients with CAH and Ci exhibited decreased 14CO2-exhalation rates following 14C-D-galactose or 14C-aminopyrine. D-Galactose oxidation capacity of the liver can be assessed by a breath analysis technique in analogy to the demethylating function for aminopyrine. The ordinary oral D-galactose tolerance test seems, however, superior in comparison to the 14C-D-galactose tolerance test, in discriminating between healthy controls and patients with chronic liver disease.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000632:Aminopyrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D001944:Breath Tests; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005690:Galactose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D000632:Aminopyrine; D005690:Galactose