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13 C‐methacetin breath test for monitoring hepatic function in cirrhotic patients before and after liver transplantation
Author(s) -
Petrolati A.,
Festi D.,
De Berardinis G.,
ColaioccoFerrante L.,
Di Paolo D.,
Tisone G.,
Angelico M.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01752.x
Subject(s) - medicine , breath test , liver transplantation , gastroenterology , cirrhosis , liver function , liver function tests , transplantation , liver disease , helicobacter pylori
Summary Background : In patients with chronic liver disease, the measurement of liver function is critical for monitoring disease progression, predicting the prognosis and choosing therapeutic strategies. The 13 C‐methacetin breath test is a simple, non‐invasive diagnostic tool based on an inexpensive, non‐toxic substance, which allows the accurate measurement of liver functional reserve. Aim : To investigate the 13 C‐methacetin breath test as a tool to monitor hepatic function in liver transplant candidates and recipients. Methods : Twenty‐eight cirrhotic patients listed for orthotopic liver transplantation and 10 healthy controls were studied. The 13 C‐methacetin breath test (75 mg per os ) was performed at baseline and at 12‐week intervals. Intra‐operative measurements were obtained during the liver transplantation procedure in nine patients. Results were expressed as the 13 C‐methacetin cumulative oxidation percentage 45 min after substrate ingestion. Results : The mean 13 C‐methacetin cumulative oxidation at 45 min was 16.4 ± 3.5% in healthy controls and 5.4 ± 4.2% in cirrhotic patients at the time of listing. In 11 patients who underwent successful liver transplantation, mean oxidation increased from 3.3 ± 1.6% before transplantation to 17.0 ± 5.2% at 6 months of follow‐up. Variations in methacetine oxidation were closely related to the recovery of liver function. The mean intra‐operative 13 C‐methacetin cumulative oxidation increased from 0.1% during the anhepatic phase to 3.7 ± 2.0% 2 h after reperfusion. Conclusions : The 13 C‐methacetin breath test is a simple and potentially useful tool for monitoring hepatic function in cirrhotic patients listed for liver transplantation, and during the intra‐operative and post‐operative phases.