STUDY OF LIVER-FUNCTION IN INFANTS WITH ATOPIC-DERMATITIS USING THE C-13-METHACETIN BREATH TEST

Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) levels were determined i n 214 infants (133 males and 81 females) with atopic dermatitis during their first visit to the Department of Allergy, National Children's H ospital, Tokyo, Japan. Compared with the normal hospital range, their levels were found to be significantly higher, a tendancy which was mor e conspicuous in lower age groups. We carried out a C-13-methacetin br eath test (MET), administering the stable-isotope-labeled compound to 11 children with higher serum GOT values and 5 within the normal range to investigate hepatic metablism of methacetin in infants with atopic dermatitis. C-13-methacetin was given orally, and the (CO2)-C-13 leve l in the breath was determined immediately before and after administra tion, by mass spectrometry. Compared to the normal controls, the atopi c infants demonstrated significantly lower (CO2)-C-13 peak excretion a nd delayed peak time. The clearance rate of (CO2)-C-13 was also decrea sed. These results suggest some relationship between atopic dermatitis and liver function in infants.