M probe comes first: Impact of initial probe choice on diagnostic performance of vibration controlled transient elastography.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Probe choice (M or XL) in transient elastography can be made by the user's own measure of skin-to-liver-capsule distance (SCD) or with an automated tool (AUTO). We studied how AUTO depends on initial probe choice. METHODS: Three fictive clinics were considered: The "M-first clinic" uses AUTO from the M probe, the "XL-first clinic" uses AUTO from the XL probe and a "reference clinic" measures SCD independently. Agreement and discrepancies to the reference clinic were measured. RESULTS: 200 patients with chronic liver disease were prospectively included (58% female, 56 years, BMI 28.1 kg/m²). Fleiss' kappa for agreement in probe selection was 0.11 (95% CI -0.09 to 0.31), but accuracy was above 0.8 for both. Probe failure occurred for 16 (M-first clinic), 4 (XL-first clinic) and 3 patients (reference clinic). Use of XL probe given M probe failure improved performance of the M-first approach. The odds ratio for discrepancy in the XL-first vs M-first clinic is 2.4 (95% CI 1.2 to 5.2, p = 0.012) for liver fibrosis and 4.8 (95% CI 1.8 to 16.1, p < 0.001) for steatosis. CONCLUSIONS: Agreement in AUTO between M and XL probes is poor although each has acceptable accuracy. The M-first approach leads to fewer discrepancies and should be adopted as a standard.

A Novel Method for Measuring Serum Unbound Bilirubin Levels Using Glucose Oxidase-Peroxidase and Bilirubin-Inducible Fluorescent Protein (UnaG): No Influence of Direct Bilirubin.

The glucose oxidase-peroxidase (GOD-POD) method used to measure serum unbound bilirubin (UB) suffers from direct bilirubin (DB) interference. Using a bilirubin-inducible fluorescent protein from eel muscle (UnaG), a novel GOD-POD-UnaG method for measuring UB was developed. Newborn sera with an indirect bilirubin/albumin (iDB/A) molar ratio of <0.5 were classified into four groups of DB/total serum bilirubin (TB) ratios (<5%, 5-10%, 10-20%, and ≥20%), and the correlation between the UB levels and iDB/A ratio was examined. Linear regression analysis was performed to compare UB values from both methods with the iDB/A ratio from 38 sera samples with DB/TB ratio <5% and 11 samples with DB/TB ratio ≥5%. The correlation coefficient (r) between UB values and the iDB/A ratio for the GOD-POD method was 0.8096 (DB/TB ratio <5%, n = 239), 0.7265 (5-10%, n = 29), 0.7165 (10-20%, n = 17), and 0.4816 (≥20%, n = 16). UB values using the GOD-POD-UnaG method highly correlated with the iDB/A ratio in both <5% and ≥5% DB/TB ratio sera (r = 0.887 and 0.806, respectively), whereas a low correlation (r = 0.428) occurred for ≥5% DB/TB ratio sera using the GOD-POD method. Our GOD-POD-UnaG method can measure UB levels regardless of the presence of DB.

Results of Green Indocyanine in the Use of the R1T1 Robot as Aid in the Pre-operative Process of Hepatic Organ Transplant: Experiment in Wistar Rats.

Since the beginning of the history of transplants, numerous difficulties have been faced in the effective implementation of this therapeutic practice, especially with regard to the transplantation of solid organs and their teaching and training, together with the time of removal and transplantation of the organ that directly influences the results of the transplant surgical procedure. The objective of this research was to demonstrate the results found on the process of using green indocyanine during the invention of the Automatic Portable Surgical Communication Equipment with the Robot R1T1 (APSCERR), as well as to demonstrate its capabilities in the medical area of organ transplantation. Biochemical exams, liver profile exams, and mitochondrial breathing exams were performed on the control group and on the indocyanine group. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical evaluations with a significance level of P < .05. As a result of this research, the effectiveness of using the APSCERR equipment on detecting the green indocyanine marker was proven, along with its ability to analyze macroscopic parameters together with the standard color "Dianin Boin scale" used to analyze the level of metabolism/reperfusion of the liver when observed with the APSCERR equipment connected to the R1T1 robot in the presence of green indocyanine. A patent for the development of APSCERR has been registered. It was possible to demonstrate the effectiveness of the equipment in detecting green indocyanine when analyzing parameters in the liver and the absence of a significant impact on the organ with the use of green indocyanine.

Breath-print analysis by e-nose may refine risk stratification for adverse outcomes in cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The spectrum of volatile organic compounds in the exhaled breath (breath-print, BP) has been shown to characterize patients with cirrhosis and with worse hepatic function. However, the association of different BPs with clinically relevant outcomes has not been described yet. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the association between BPs, mortality and hospitalization in cirrhotic patients and to compare it with that of the "classical" prognostic indices (Child-Pugh Classification [CPC] and MELD). METHODS: Eighty-nine cirrhotic patients (M/F 59/30, mean age 64.8 ± 11.3, CPC A/B/C 37/33/19) were recruited and followed up for a median time of 23 months. Clinical and biochemical data were collected. Breath collection and analysis were obtained through Pneumopipe® and BIONOTE e-nose respectively. RESULTS: Four different BP clusters (A, B, C, D) were identified. BP clusters A and D were associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality (HR 2.9, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.5-5.6) and hospitalization (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.4-4.6), even in multiple adjusted models including CPC and MELD score (adjusted [a]HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1-7.0 for mortality and aHR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.2 for hospitalization). CPC C maintained the strongest association with both mortality (aHR 17.6, 95% CI 1.8-174.0) and hospitalization (aHR 12.4, 95% CI 2.0-75.8). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates that BP clusters are associated with significant clinical endpoints (mortality and hospitalization) even independently from "classical" prognostic indices. Even though further studies are warranted on this topic, our findings suggest that the e-nose may become an adjunctive aid to stratify the risk of adverse outcomes in cirrhotic patients.

Portable device for the analysis of liver function: a boon to liver surgery and critical care.

Liver biology, liver disease and its management present a myriad of challenges to clinicians. Difficulties arise in determining liver functional capacity, which must be effectively measured in a quantitative reproducible manner. Measurement of indocyanine green (ICG) clearance, an exceptional tool that has been used for decades to assess liver function, has traditionally been cumbersome to perform. New technology now allows for rapid and noninvasive determination of ICG clearance making it clinically accessible. This adds ICG clearance measurement to the armamentarium of physiologic monitors that could be routinely used in the evaluation of patients undergoing liver surgery or in the intensive care setting.

(13) C Breath Tests Are Feasible in Patients With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Devices.

Temporary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been established as an essential part of therapy in patients with pulmonary or cardiac failure. As physiological gaseous exchange is artificially altered in this patient group, it is debatable whether a (13) C-breath test can be carried out. In this proof of technical feasibility report, we assess the viability of the (13) C-breath test LiMAx (maximum liver function capacity) in patients on ECMO therapy. All breath probes for the test device were obtained directly via the membrane oxygenator. Data of four patients receiving liver function assessment with the (13) C-breath test LiMAx while having ECMO therapy were analyzed. All results were compared with validated scenarios of the testing procedures. The LiMAx test could successfully be carried out in every case without changing ECMO settings. Clinical course of the patients ranging from multiorgan failure to no sign of liver insufficiency was in accordance with the results of the LiMAx liver function test. The (13) C-breath test is technically feasible in the context of ECMO. Further evaluation of (13) C-breath test in general would be worthwhile. The LiMAx test as a (13) C-breath test accessing liver function might be of particular predictive interest if patients with ECMO therapy develop multiorgan failure.

Reference intervals of several renal and hepatic function parameters for apparently healthy adults from Eastern China.

BACKGROUND: Biochemical substances relating to renal and hepatic function are influenced not only by individual factors such as gender, lifestyle, and age but also by ecological factors, such as altitude, climate, and ethnic background. The purpose of the present study was to establish reference intervals for 16 biochemical substances relating to renal and hepatic function in healthy Chinese adults. METHODS: A total of 2,405 apparently healthy individuals (18-77 years of age) were chosen as reference individuals in the present study. The 16 biochemical substances relating to renal and hepatic function were analyzed using a HITACHI RL7600 analyzer. The reference intervals were established using nonparametric methods to estimate the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles of the distribution as the lower and the upper limits, respectively. RESULTS: Age- and gender-appropriate reference intervals were established for some biochemical substances relating to renal and hepatic function in healthy Chinese adults. CONCLUSION: The reference intervals established in this study can provide a useful clinical tool for the assessment of the kidney and liver damage. In addition, the established reference intervals can be adopted in other clinical laboratories after further validation.

A portable centrifugal analyser for liver function screening.

Mortality rates of up to 50% have been reported after liver failure due to drug-induced hepatotoxicity and certain viral infections (Gao et al., 2008). These adverse conditions frequently affect HIV and tuberculosis patients on regular medication in resource-poor settings. Here, we report full integration of sample preparation with the read-out of a 5-parameter liver assay panel (LAP) on a portable, easy-to-use, fast and cost-efficient centrifugal microfluidic analysis system (CMAS). Our unique, dissolvable-film based centrifugo-pneumatic valving was employed to provide sample-to-answer fashion automation for plasma extraction (from finger-prick of blood), metering and aliquoting into separate reaction chambers for parallelized colorimetric quantification during rotation. The entire LAP completes in less than 20 min while using only a tenth the reagent volumes when compared with standard hospital laboratory tests. Accuracy of in-situ liver function screening was validated by 96 separate tests with an average coefficient of variance (CV) of 7.9% compared to benchtop and hospital lab tests. Unpaired two sample statistical t-tests were used to compare the means of CMAS and benchtop reader, on one hand; and CMAS and hospital tests on the other. The results demonstrate no statistical difference between the respective means with 94% and 92% certainty of equivalence, respectively. The portable platform thus saves significant time, labour and costs compared to established technologies, and therefore complies with typical restrictions on lab infrastructure, maintenance, operator skill and costs prevalent in many field clinics of the developing world. It has been successfully deployed to a centralised lab in Nigeria.

A simple and inexpensive system for controlling body temperature in small animal experiments using MRI and the effect of body temperature on the hepatic kinetics of Gd-EOB-DTPA.

The purpose of this study was to develop a simple and inexpensive system for controlling body temperature in small animal experiments using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to investigate the effect of body temperature on the kinetic behavior of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) in the liver. In our temperature-control system, body temperature was controlled using a feedback-regulated heated or cooled air flow generated by two Futon dryers. The switches of the two Futon dryers were controlled using a digital temperature controller, in which the rectal temperature of a mouse measured by an optical fiber thermometer was used as the input. In experimental studies, male ICR mice aged 8weeks old were used and allocated into 5 groups (39-, 36-, 33-, 30-, and 27-degree groups, n=10), in which the body temperature was maintained at 39 °C, 36 °C, 33 °C, 30 °C, and 27 °C, respectively, using our system. The dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) data were acquired with an MRI system for animal experiments equipped with a 1.5-Tesla permanent magnet, for approximately 43min, after the injection of Gd-EOB-DTPA into the tail vein. After correction of the image shift due to the temperature-dependent drift of the Larmor frequency using the gradient-based image registration method with robust estimation of displacement parameters, the kinetic behavior of Gd-EOB-DTPA was analyzed using an empirical mathematical model. With the use of this approach, the upper limit of the relative enhancement (A), the rates of contrast uptake (α) and washout (ß), the parameter related to the slope of early uptake (q), the area under the curve (AUC), the maximum relative enhancement (REmax), the time to REmax (Tmax), and the elimination half-life of the contrast agent (T1/2) were calculated. The body temperature of mice could be controlled well by use of our system. Although there were no significant differences in α, AUC, and q among groups, there were significant differences in A, REmax, ß, Tmax, and T1/2, indicating that body temperature significantly affects the kinetic behavior of Gd-EOB-DTPA in the liver. In conclusion, our system will be useful for controlling body temperature in small animal experiments using MRI. Because body temperature significantly affects the kinetic behavior of Gd-EOB-DTPA in the liver, the control of body temperature is essential and should be carefully considered when performing DCE-MRI studies in small animal experiments.

Evolución de la fibrosis hepática en reclusos coinfectados por VIH y VHC que inician tratamiento con inhibidores de la proteasa potenciados / The progression of liver fibrosis in prison inmates co-infected by HIV and HCV who started on boosted protease inhibitor therapy

Objetivos: Analizar la evolución de la fibrosis hepática medida por elastografía y pruebas bioquímicas en reclusos coinfectados por VIH y VHC que han iniciado tratamiento antirretroviral con lopinavir/ritonavir u otros inhibidores de la proteasa potenciados con ritonavir. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, observacional y multicéntrico. Se comprobó durante 48 semanas la evolución de la fibrosis hepática medida mediante elastografía de transición (FibroScan) y pruebas bioquímicas en población penitenciaria española coinfectada por VIH y VHC. Resultados: De los 94 pacientes incluidos, 54 (57,4%) fueron seguidos durante 48 semanas. En la semana 48, no hubo cambios significativos en el grado de fibrosis medida mediante FibroScan (8,1 Kpa vs 8,3; p=0.20) o índice de FORNS (5,6 vs 5,1; p=0,50), aunque sí con el índice APRI (0.7 vs 0.6; p=0.05) y el índice FIB-4 (p=0,02). Cuando la medición se realizó en función del grado de fibrosis basal, se observó que el tratamiento redujo el porcentaje de pacientes con fibrosis basal de grado 3/4 (50% vs 15%; p=0,001), pero no hubo cambios en los que ya tenían basalmente grado 4 (20,4% vs 20,4%). Conclusión: Los reclusos coinfectados por VIH y VHC que inician tratamiento antirretroviral con lopinavir/ritonavir muestran una estabilización de la fibrosis hepática medida con FibroScan® tras un año de seguimiento. En conjunto, el tratamiento mejoró la fibrosis cuando la referencia de medición fue el índice APRI y el FIB-4, pero no con el índice FORNS o la elastografía (AU)

Objectives: To analyse the progression of liver fibrosis as measured by elastography and biochemical testing in prison inmates co-infected by HIV and HCVwho started on ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (PI) therapy. Methods: A prospective, observational and multi-centre study. The progression of liver fibrosis as measured by transient elastography (FibroScan) and biochemical testing was monitored for 48 weeks in a Spanish prison population co-infected with HIV and HCV. Results: Of the 94 patients included, 54 (57.4%) were followed-up for 48 weeks. At week 48, no significant changes were seen in the grade of fibrosis measured using FibroScan (8.1 kPa vs. 8.3 kPa; p=0.20) or the Forns index (5.6 vs. 5.1; p=0.50), although significant changes were detected using the APRI (0.7 vs. 0.6; p=0.05) and the FIB-4 indexes (p= 0.02).When measurement was done compared to baseline fibrosis, it was seen that therapy reduced the percentage of patients with fibrosis ≥3 but <4 (50% vs. 15%; p=0.001), but no change was seen in those found to have grade 4 fibrosis at baseline (20.4% vs. 20.4%). Conclusion: The inmates co-infected with HIV and HCV who were started on antiretroviral therapy with the boosted protease inhibitor (PI) showed stasterilizationbilisation of the liver fibrosis as measured with FibroScan after one year of follow-up. Overall, the therapy improved fibrosis when measured using the APRI or FIB-4 indexes, but not when using the Forns index or elastography (AU)

A paper-based multiplexed transaminase test for low-cost, point-of-care liver function testing.

In developed nations, monitoring for drug-induced liver injury through serial measurements of serum transaminases [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] in at-risk individuals is the standard of care. Despite the need, monitoring for drug-related hepatotoxicity in resource-limited settings is often limited by expense and logistics, even for patients at highest risk. This article describes the development and clinical testing of a paper-based, multiplexed microfluidic assay designed for rapid, semiquantitative measurement of AST and ALT in a fingerstick specimen. Using 223 clinical specimens obtained by venipuncture and 10 fingerstick specimens from healthy volunteers, we have shown that our assay can, in 15 min, provide visual measurements of AST and ALT in whole blood or serum, which allow the user to place those values into one of three readout "bins" [<3× upper limit of normal (ULN), 3 to 5× ULN, and >5× ULN, corresponding to tuberculosis/HIV treatment guidelines] with >90% accuracy. These data suggest that the ultimate point-of-care fingerstick device will have high impact on patient care in low-resource settings.

Rapid measurement of indocyanine green retention by pulse spectrophotometry: a validation study in 70 patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis before hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The indocyanine green (ICG) retention test is the most popular liver function test for selecting patients for major hepatectomy. Traditionally, it is done using spectrophotometry with serial blood sampling. The newly-developed pulse spectrophotometry is a faster alternative, but its accuracy on Child-Pugh A cirrhotic patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma has not been well documented. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of the LiMON(®), one of the pulse spectrophotometry systems, in measuring preoperative ICG retention in these patients and to devise an easy formula for conversion of the results so that they can be compared with classical literature records where ICG retention was measured by the traditional method. METHODS: We measured the liver function of 70 Child-Pugh A cirrhotic patients before hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma from September 2008 to January 2009. ICG retention at 15 minutes measured by traditional spectrophotometry (ICGR15) was compared with ICG retention at 15 minutes measured by the LiMON (ICGR15(L)). RESULTS: The median ICGR15 was 14.7% (5.6%-32%) and the median ICGR15(L) was 10.4% (1.2%-28%). The mean difference between them was -4.3606. There was a strong correlation between ICGR15 and ICGR15(L) (correlation coefficient, 0.844; 95% confidence interval, 0.762-0.899). The following formula was devised: ICGR15=1.16XICGR15(L)+2.73. CONCLUSIONS: The LiMON provides a fast and repeatable way to measure ICG retention at 15 minutes, but with constant underestimation of the real value. Therefore, when comparing results obtained by traditional spectrophotometry and the LiMON, adjustment of results from the latter is necessary, and this can be done with a simple mathematical calculation using the above formula.

Measuring markers of liver function using a micropatterned paper device designed for blood from a fingerstick.

This paper describes a paper-based microfluidic device that measures two enzymatic markers of liver function (alkaline phosphatase, ALP, and aspartate aminotransferase, AST) and total serum protein. A device consists of four components: (i) a top plastic sheet, (ii) a filter membrane, (iii) a patterned paper chip containing the reagents necessary for analysis, and (iv) a bottom plastic sheet. The device performs both the sample preparation (separating blood plasma from erythrocytes) and the assays; it also enables both qualitative and quantitative analysis of data. The data obtained from the paper-microfluidic devices show standard deviations in calibration runs and "spiked" standards that are acceptable for routine clinical use. This device illustrates a type of test useable for a range of assays in resource-poor settings.

Diabetes mellitus non-glucose monitoring: point-of-care testing.

OBJECTIVE: To review and evaluate reimbursable point-of-care testing devices yielding immediate results, other than glucometers, that are available to evaluate and monitor diabetes and its complications and to describe how pharmacists may use these devices. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1966-March 2003) was performed using the following search terms: point-of-care systems, clinical diabetes monitoring, decision support systems, glycosylated hemoglobin, and microalbumin. Pertinent company and product Web sites and customer service departments were accessed for information about point-of-care devices and supplies. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All descriptive, evaluative, and comparative articles and product information were reviewed, and relevant information was included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Diabetes mellitus is a complex, chronic metabolic disease that is a challenging management problem and requires routine monitoring for disease control and screening for complications. Point-of-care tests are available to monitor hemoglobin A(1c), glucose, fructosamine, ketones, lipid profiles, urinary microalbumin concentrations, and alanine aminotransferase concentrations. Many of these tests are Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-waived and, therefore, practical for pharmacists to use in a variety of settings. Tests for measuring sensation are also discussed. Pharmacists should consider each of these tests in the establishment of a comprehensive diabetes care service. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of many new point-of-care testing methods creates new opportunities for pharmacists to monitor drug therapy and screen for complications in patients with diabetes. Reimbursement is possible since many of these tests are CLIA-waived.

Estudios para evaluar la funcion hepatica / Diagnosis procedures in evaluation of liver function

El hígado desempeña una variedad de funciones que son de vital importancia para la economía humana; cuando una de estas funciones se encuentra alterada, observamos diferentes manifestaciones, que en la mayoría de los casos no son específicas para cada enfermedad. Es por esto que la evaluación de la función hepática con pruebas bioquímicas, provee una ayuda diagnóstica fundamental que apoyadas en una minuciosa historia clínica pueden ayudarnos a lograr un enfoque más preciso en el estudio de las enfermedades que comprometen el hígado. Conociendo las bases sobre las cuales se fundamentan estas pruebas y su utilidad clínica, se contribuye a racionalizar recursos y orientar adecuadamente el estudio de un paciente con enfermedad hepática. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, se describe a continuación las principales pruebas para evaluar la función hepática, tanto bioquímicas como imagenológicas esperando que sean de gran utilidad para el lector

Utilidad del metabolismo hepático de la lidocaína como prueba de función hepática en pacientes con enfermedades crónicas del hígado / Utility of hepatic metabolism of lidocaine as a test of hepatic function in patients with chronic liver diseases

Los avances alcanzados en el manejo de los pacientes con enfermedades crónicas del hígado han llevado a desarrollar métodos que permitan evaluar en forma no invasiva la función hepática. En este sentido nuestro estudio ha sido dirigido a determinar la utilidad clínica del test de monoetilglicinexilidida (MEGX) en una serie amplia de pacientes con enfermedad crónica de hígado, y su relación con el índice de actividad histológica evaluado mediante el índice de Knodell. Asimismo, se evaluó el papel de esta prueba de función hepática en la monitorización de una pauta terapéutica con interferón. Para ello se incluyeron 35 pacientes con hepatitis crónica, 40 con cirrosis hepática de diferentes etiologías y 10 personas sanas. La concentración plasmática de MEGX fue medida mediante inmunoanálisis de fluorescencia polarizada luego de 15 minutos de haberse administrado lidocaína por vía endovenosa (1 mg/kg). La concentración de MEGX fue significativamente superior en los sujetos sanos (71.8 ñ 7.3 ng/ml) que la observada en pacientes con hepatitis crónica (50.8 ñ 5.3 ng/ml, p<0.05) y cirrosis (14.7 ñ 2.6 ng/ml, p<0.05). Una disminución en la producción de MEGX se observó en forma paralela a un mayor deterioro de la función hepática, evaluada mediante la clasificación Child-Pugh (A: 17.9 ñ 4.6 vs C: 8.8 ñ 1.5 ng/ml, p<0.05). Todos los pacientes con una concentración de MEGX menor a 20 ng/ml presentaron una cirrosis confirmada por el hallazgo histológico. Se observó una correlación inversa entre la producción de MEGX y el índice de actividad histológica (r= 0.63, p<0.05). En pacientes respondedores a la terapia con interferón se comprobó una mejoría en forma paralela del MEGX y el score de Knodell. Nuestros resultados demuestran que el test de MEGX es una prueba cuantitativa simple y segura de función hepática. Asimismo, nos ha permitido tanto identificar diferentes estadios evolutivos de la enfermedad como así también monitorizar la respuesta terapéutica en pacientes con hepatitis crónica

Utilidad del metabolismo hepático de la lidocaína como prueba de función hepática en pacientes con enfermedades crónicas del hígado / Utility of hepatic metabolism of lidocaine as a test of hepatic function in patients with chronic liver diseases

Los avances alcanzados en el manejo de los pacientes con enfermedades crónicas del hígado han llevado a desarrollar métodos que permitan evaluar en forma no invasiva la función hepática. En este sentido nuestro estudio ha sido dirigido a determinar la utilidad clínica del test de monoetilglicinexilidida (MEGX) en una serie amplia de pacientes con enfermedad crónica de hígado, y su relación con el índice de actividad histológica evaluado mediante el índice de Knodell. Asimismo, se evaluó el papel de esta prueba de función hepática en la monitorización de una pauta terapéutica con interferón. Para ello se incluyeron 35 pacientes con hepatitis crónica, 40 con cirrosis hepática de diferentes etiologías y 10 personas sanas. La concentración plasmática de MEGX fue medida mediante inmunoanálisis de fluorescencia polarizada luego de 15 minutos de haberse administrado lidocaína por vía endovenosa (1 mg/kg). La concentración de MEGX fue significativamente superior en los sujetos sanos (71.8 ñ 7.3 ng/ml) que la observada en pacientes con hepatitis crónica (50.8 ñ 5.3 ng/ml, p<0.05) y cirrosis (14.7 ñ 2.6 ng/ml, p<0.05). Una disminución en la producción de MEGX se observó en forma paralela a un mayor deterioro de la función hepática, evaluada mediante la clasificación Child-Pugh (A: 17.9 ñ 4.6 vs C: 8.8 ñ 1.5 ng/ml, p<0.05). Todos los pacientes con una concentración de MEGX menor a 20 ng/ml presentaron una cirrosis confirmada por el hallazgo histológico. Se observó una correlación inversa entre la producción de MEGX y el índice de actividad histológica (r= 0.63, p<0.05). En pacientes respondedores a la terapia con interferón se comprobó una mejoría en forma paralela del MEGX y el score de Knodell. Nuestros resultados demuestran que el test de MEGX es una prueba cuantitativa simple y segura de función hepática. Asimismo, nos ha permitido tanto identificar diferentes estadios evolutivos de la enfermedad como así también monitorizar la respuesta terapéutica en pacientes con hepatitis crónica

[Monitoring critically ill intensive care patients by semi-invasive COLD (Cardiac-Output-Liver-Diseases) monitoring instead of pulmonary artery catheterization]. / Uberwachung kritisch kranker Intensivpatienten durch halbinvasives COLD-Monitoring anstelle Pulmonalis-Katheterisierung.

The routine application of an arterial thermal-dye-dilution technique (so called COLD-Monitoring) offers new perspectives in the hemodynamic management of critically ill patients using a small invasive technique. COLD-Monitoring employs a computerized analysis of a double-indicator (temperature and dye) dilution technique which requires only a central venous catheter and a special fibre optic catheter with a temperature probe applied to the femoral artery. Especially in critically ill patients with septic course or multiple organ failure (MOF) COLD-monitoring serves to exactly measure volume and therefore distribution, to objectify capillary leakage by extravascular lung water index, to check the excretoric liver-function by plasma-deviation-rate of ICG and to perform a well controlled epinephrine therapy by measuring cardiac function index and systemic vascular resistance index.

Dielectric spectrogram for instantaneous evaluation of ischemic injury of the liver.

Electrical properties of tissues sensitively reflect structural and physiologic changes. The authors examined the use of a dielectric spectrogram for instantaneous evaluation of ischemic injury of the liver. Wistar rats, which had enough collateral circulation for portal bypass with subcutaneous transposition of the spleen, were used. Four ischemic periods (15, 30, 60, and 120 min) were examined and followed by reflow. Permittivity and conductivity were measured at 39 frequency points in the 20 Hz-1 MHz range using an LCR meter system. They were then expressed in a loss tangent (LT) plot to clear their behavior. The maximum LT value (max-LT) and the minimum LT value (min-LT) of the normal liver were 3.98 +/- 0.28 and 2.98 +/- 0.22, and appeared in 15-20 kHz and 150-300 kHz, respectively. During the first 30 min after ischemia, max-LT decreased to 3.25 +/- 0.14 (p < 0.005) and its range shifted to 0.3-0.6 kHz, and min-LT decreased to 1.35 +/- 0.06 (p < 0.001) without shifting of range. Max-LT then decreased gradually and min-LT began to increase. After reflow, max-LT increased and higher max-LT was observed in the longer ischemic cases. Max-LT at 1 hr after reflow correlated negatively with recovery rate of bile flow at that time (y = -0.238x + 1.84, r2 = 0.82). Additionally, the difference between max-LT and min-LT at just before reflow (dif-LT) showed a significant correlation coefficient with recovery rate of bile flow at 1 hr after reflow (y = 2.22x -3.32, r2 = 0.92).