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[Liver function tests in a clinical comparison]

W Stremmel1, R Wojdat, R Groteguth

  • 1Medizinische Klinik D, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Bundesrepublik Deutschland.

Zeitschrift Fur Gastroenterologie
|November 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

The indocyanine green (ICG) test effectively quantifies liver function impairment in cirrhosis patients, unlike other tests. It shows a linear correlation with the Child-Pugh score, offering objective assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Diagnostic Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cirrhosis significantly impairs liver function.
  • Accurate quantitative assessment of liver function is crucial for patient management.
  • The Child-Pugh classification is a standard staging system for cirrhosis severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate various liver function tests for quantitative estimation of liver function impairment in cirrhosis.
  • To compare the efficacy of the indocyanine green (ICG) test, MEGX-test, galactose elimination capacity (GEC)-test, and static liver function parameters against the Child-Pugh classification.

Main Methods:

  • 32 patients with cirrhosis were assessed using multiple liver function tests.
  • Indocyanine green (ICG) retention, MEGX-test, GEC-test, cholinesterase activity, prealbumin, and coagulation factors V and VII were measured.
  • Results were correlated with the Child-Pugh classification scores.

Main Results:

  • The ICG-test demonstrated significant differences between healthy subjects and cirrhotic patients across Child-Pugh stages A, B, and C.
  • ICG retention values showed a linear relationship (r=0.7) with Child-Pugh score units.
  • MEGX-test, GEC-test, and static parameters showed weak correlations and less significant differentiation between Child-Pugh classes.

Conclusions:

  • The indocyanine green (ICG) retention test is the most suitable parameter for objective and graduated analysis of liver function in cirrhosis patients.
  • Other commonly used liver function tests are less effective in quantitatively assessing liver function impairment relative to the Child-Pugh classification.

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