AMINOPYRINE BREATH TEST - DEVELOPMENT OF A C-13-BREATH TEST FOR QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF LIVER-FUNCTION IN HUMANS

Background/Aim: C-14-aminopyrine breath test (ABT) has been shown to b e well correlated to the severity of liver diseases, but its use is li mited in countries where radioactive isotopes are severely controlled. The goal of this study was to develop a C-13-ABT based on a highly se nsitive method to measure (CO2)-C-13 in breath samples. Materials and Methods: The relevant parameters were studied in 26 controls and 27 pa tients: the (CO2)-C-13 enrichment of expired breath between t-10 and t +60 minutes was determined as the most simple and clinically useful pa rameter. The C-13-ABT was then prospectively compared to clinico-biolo gical data and the galactose elimination capacity (GEC) in 82 patients . Results: The C-13-ABT was well correlated to: i) the Child-Pugh clas sification; ii) GEC results; iii) the hepatic volume. The presence of ascites or alcoholic consumption did not alter significantly the resul ts of the test. C-13-ABT appeared more sensitive than GEC to evaluate minor liver dysfunctions. Conclusions: The C-13-ABT is a simple and se nsitive test to measure liver function. The use of the stable isotope C-13 ensures the harmlessness of the test and the possibility to repea t it in a given patient.