[Changes in plasma amino acids during and following isolated liver perfusion in the human. Brief clinical report]

Plasma amino acids have been analysed during isolated perfusion of the liver in dogs. Aromatic amino acids increased, also the branched chain amino acids showed a small rise. Thus no signs of hepatic failure could be detected. To evaluate early signs of hepatic failure in 2 patients scheduled for isolated liver perfusion, the plasma amino acids where analysed. Corresponding to the results obtained in animals, aromatic acids increased, whereas branched chain amino acids remained constant or rose. Even in the postoperative course no signs of deterioration of plasma amino acids could be detected.