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Published on: December 18, 2013
[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
Summary
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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