DETERMINATION OF GLYCOCHOLIC ACID CONCENTRATION IN THE SERUM IN ALCOHOLIC HEPATIC-LESIONS - CLINICAL-SIGNIFICANCE

To assess the diagnostic value of radioimmunoassay determination of se rum levels of glycocholic acid in alcohol-induced chronic diffuse hepa tic lesions, this technique was compared by sensitivity and informativ e content with conventional hepatic tests. Hepatocytic function was me asured in combined examination of 83 patients and 30 controls. It is s hown that serum glycocholic acid concentration permits detection of ea rly alcohol defects of the liver, excretory dysfunction in particular, control of cholestatic changes, of transformation of hepatic steatosi s into hepatitis or cirrhosis, evaluation of cholestasis, The above ra dioimmunoassay is a useful prognostic tool in decompensated alcohol ci rrhosis of the liver.