deoxycholic-acid and Hepatitis--Viral--Human

Total and individual serum bile acid concentrations were studied in 18 patients with viral hepatitis. The initial high values returned to the normal range at approximately the same time as the conventional liver function tests. Chenodeoxycholic acid was the predominant bile acid initially, but cholic acid predominated as the disease resolved. All patients had proportionately less doexycholic acid than controls. It is concluded that the measurement of serum bile acid does not provide added information of value in the management of patients with viral hepatitis.

Topics: Bile Acids and Salts; Chenodeoxycholic Acid; Cholic Acids; Deoxycholic Acid; Follow-Up Studies; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; Humans; Liver Function Tests

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Alkaline Phosphatase; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Bile Acids and Salts; Bilirubin; Chenodeoxycholic Acid; Cholic Acids; Chromatography, Gas; Deoxycholic Acid; Eating; Fasting; Female; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; Humans; Lithocholic Acid; Liver; Male; Time Factors

The level of the four major bile acids was measured in the plasma using gas liquid chromatography. The enhancement of the level of the primary bile acids was well known during bile duct obstruction. In the case of hepatic diseases, the chenodesoxycholiccholic acid concentration ratio (CDC/C) was equal or lower than unity when cholestasis occurred rather than hepatic deficiency. When hepatic deficiency developed, the ratio CDC/C was higher than unity. Plasma bile acid fractionnation exhibits also a prognostic value. When the ratio CDC/C is very high, it is significant of progressive hepatic deficiency. A high level of lithocholic acid is also a sign of unfavourable prognosis.

Topics: Bile Acids and Salts; Chenodeoxycholic Acid; Cholic Acids; Chromatography, Gas; Deoxycholic Acid; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; Humans; Lithocholic Acid; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Diseases