Chenodeoxycholic acid pool size determination from children using isotope dilution mass spectrometry.

An isotope dilution mass spectrometry method is described for determining chenodeoxycholic acid pool size in children. The stable isotopically labeled tracer, (11,12-2H2) chenodeoxycholic acid, was administered orally to children, and the enrichment of bile was measured by selected ion monitoring gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The level of (11,12-2H2)chenodeoxycholic acid enrichment found in the patient samples was in the range of 0.5 to 5%. Data are presented illustrating the duplication of this method in two independent laboratories using standard quadrupole mass spectrometers. This procedure provides the clinician with a non-radioactive method for determining chenodeoxycholic acid pool size which is especially beneficial in studies involving children and pregnant women.