Effects of fructose infusions in patients suffering from acute viral hepatitis

Two groups of patients suffering from uncomplicated viral hepatitis were treated for seven consecutive days with intravenous infusions of fructose and glucose, respectively (1 gram per kilogram body weight per diem). Serum transaminases were determined daily as were total bilirubin and uric acid levels. No statistically significant variations in the values of these tests were observed between the two groups of patients. Serum lactic and pyruvic acid concentrations were also determined both before and after infusion during the first three days of treatment. Blood lactic and pyruvic acid levels were found to rise significantly after fructose infusion, but not after glucose infusion. These changes, however, were limited and did not affect the lactate/pyruvate ratio.