[Serum cholylglycine in the evaluation of impaired hepatic function].

The biliary serum salts cholylglycine and sulfolithocholylglycine were assessed in 88 chronic liver disease patients subjected to laparoscopy and biopsy. The assay was conducted before and after meals in order to assess the diagnostic value of the test together with the common liver function parameters. The greatest diagnostic sensitivity was provided by gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and bromosulfophtalein K1 clearance. In particular fasting glycocholic acid was as predictively reliable as BSF-K1. Cholylglycine levels also correlated with the prognosis of the liver disease.