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Monoethylglycinexylide formation in assessing pediatric donor liver function
S J Rossi1, T J Schroeder, W H Vine
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Medical Center, Ohio 45267-0714.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Monoethylglycinexylide (MEGX) formation, a liver function test, is higher in pediatric donors and controls than adults. Drug interactions can influence MEGX levels in children.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Lidocaine metabolism to monoethylglycinexylide (MEGX) is a novel liver function assessment.
- Existing liver function tests have limitations, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Limited research exists on MEGX formation in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate MEGX formation in potential pediatric liver donors and a control group of children.
- To compare pediatric MEGX levels with adult counterparts.
- To investigate the influence of drug therapy on MEGX formation in pediatric liver donors.
Main Methods:
- Assessed MEGX formation in 35 pediatric liver donors and 16 pediatric controls.
- Compared pediatric MEGX levels to established adult data.
- Analyzed the impact of hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs and vasopressors on MEGX levels.
Main Results:
- Mean MEGX formation was significantly higher in pediatric donors (156 +/- 62 ng/ml) than pediatric controls (106 +/- 33 ng/ml).
- Pediatric donors and controls showed significantly higher MEGX formation compared to adult counterparts.
- Hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs were associated with higher MEGX formation in pediatric donors.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric and adult MEGX formation levels differ significantly, necessitating distinct reference ranges.
- Concomitant drug therapy can substantially impact MEGX formation in pediatric patients.
- MEGX assay requires careful interpretation in pediatric populations due to age and drug-related variations.
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