Lignocaine metabolism and liver function testing in primary graft failure following orthotopic liver transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To report the use of lignocaine and the measurement of its metabolite, monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX), as a dynamic test of liver function.


METHODS
The conversion of lignocaine to MEGX has been used serially as a test of liver function in a liver transplant recipient for whom retransplantation was necessary because of primary non-function (PNF) of the initial graft. MEGX concentrations were markedly depressed with individual episodes of PNF, cardiac failure and rejection in this patient.


CONCLUSIONS
The test provided useful additional supportive information in assessment of the patient and management of intercurrent problems following liver transplantation.
Potter
J M
JM
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD.
Wright
M
M
Lynch
S V
SV
Strong
R W
RW
Henderson
A
A
Balderson
G
G
Walker
N I
NI
Hickman
P E
PE
D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008875:Middle Aged
D008012:Lidocaine; C001173:monoethylglycinexylidide