[Plasma bile acids fractionnation by gas-liquid chromatography : application to hepatocellular deficiency investigation (author's transl)].

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.