[Clinico-prognostic significance of plasma cortisol half-life(after intravenous administration ) during acute and chronic hepatic diseases].

Plasma cortisol half-times following an i.v. pharmacological dose were determined in subjects with variously serious forms of liver disease in a search for data indicating the course and prognosis. Determinations were made by means of the competitive protein binding technique. In the normal subject, values remain within the range 49 to 95 min. In acute and chronic liver disease, it was found that values in subsequent controls varied in function of the course. Cases with clinically cured acute hepatitis presented values within normal limits, while stationary or aggravescent forms were always accompanied by values of over 95'. It is suggested, therefore, that this test will give useful information concerning the course and prognosis of both acute and chronic liver disease.