Aminopyrine breath test in alcoholic liver disease and in patients on enzyme-inducing drugs. Issue 11 (November 1977)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lewis, K O; Nicholson, G; Lance, P; Paton, A
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 30:Issue 11(1977)
• Page Start: 1040
• Page End: 1043
• Publication Date: 1977-11
• Subjects: Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.30.11.1040
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : The 14C-aminopyrine breath test was used to measure liver function in 14 normal subjects, 16 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, 14 alcoholics without cirrhosis, and 29 patients taking a variety of drugs. The normal value for the breath test was 8.6 +/- 1.5%, whereas it was significantly lower (5.1 +/- 3.8%) in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Higher than normal values were found in some alcoholic patients without cirrhosis and in patients receiving enzyme-inducing drugs, such as phenobarbitone. There was a significant correlation between serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and breath test in these groups. Some patients with alcoholic cirrhosis may also be capable of enzyme induction.