VALUE OF THE IN-VITRO OR IN-VIVO MONOETHYLGLYCINEXYLIDIDE TEST FOR PREDICTING LIVER GRAFT FUNCTION

Background. An adequate function test for donor livers is still lackin g, The monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) test, performed in vivo in the donor to measure the metabolic rate of lidocaine conversion to MEGX, h as been proposed as a function test for donor livers to predict postop erative organ function. Methods. In the present study, we investigated whether the MEGX formation rate measured in needle biopsy specimens i n vitro correlates with the rate of MEGX formation in vivo. The in viv o MEGX test was performed in the donors and in the recipients on days 1 and 2. The in vivo and in vitro MEGX tests were compared with posttr ansplant liver function in the recipients in order to investigate thei r possible relevance as predictors of graft function. Results. The MEG X formation rate in needle biopsy specimens in vitro showed a signific ant correlation with the MEGX serum concentration found in the donor, A low rate of MEGX formation in the biopsy specimens tended to predict initial poor function of the grafts. In the donor, the MEGX test did not correlate with general liver function after transplantation. Only the MEGX serum concentration in the recipients on day 2 gave an indica tion of graft function. Conclusions. MEGX formation in liver biopsy sp ecimens in vitro properly reflects metabolic function of the particula r liver. Therefore, liver biopsies may be a valuable tool to help pred ict liver function in vivo, However, the MEGX test alone is not suffic ient to provide the gold standard to determine liver function in donor and transplantation livers.