PLASMA SULFOBROMOPHTHALEIN DISAPPEARANCE IN GILBERTS-SYNDROME

Background/Aims: We studied the metabolism of sulfobromophthalein and its relationship with serum bilirubin levels in 40 patients with Gilbe rt's syndrome (type I 30; type II 6; type III 4). Material and Methods : Plasma sulfobromophthalein disappearance studies were carried out an d 72 hours later, serum bilirubin concentrations (total and unconjugat ed fraction) were determined at baseline and after 24 and 48 hours of dietary restriction to 400 calories/day. Results: The fractional trans fer rate of sulfobromophthalein from plasma to liver was significantly higher in, types I (14.7+/-3.4 ml/min) and II (14.9+/-2.7 ml/min) tha n in type III (8.7+/-1.5 ml/min). The fraction of the plasma sulfobrom ophtalein pool irreversibly cleared per min was significantly higher i n type I (12.2+/-2.6 ml/min) than in. types II (9.5+/-1.5 ml/min) and III (9.3+/-3.8). In all patients, serum bilirubin concentrations were significantly higher 6 after fasting as compared with baseline. There was a significant correlation, between the increments of serum unconju gated bilirubin levels after the fasting test and the transfer rate of sulfobromophthalein from plasma to liver (F=9.8411, r=-0.4535, p=0.00 3). Conclusion: These findings indicate the presence of an active upta ke system shared by bilirubin and sulfobromophthalein.