[Clinico-statistical evaluation of the simultaneous clearance of sulfobromophthalein and galactose in chronic liver diseases].

Sulfobromophthalein dye test and galactose tolerance test were performed, using both substances simultaneous i.v. injection, in 48 subjects with chronic persistent hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis and liver cirrhosis (with and without ascites). As control group 10 normal subjects were tested. Sulfobromophthalein excretion constant ( K1BSF ) drawn from the first part of the retention curve, and the galactose excretion constant (K Gal) were considered. The following conclusions were obtained: a) K1 BSF and K Gal are well-correlated; b) K1 BSF appears more sensitive for a whole evaluation of liver involvement, in absence of evident jaundice (total serum bilirubin less than 6 mg/100 ml); c) K Gal is less reliable in presence of ascites because of the artificial increase in galactose plasmatic clearance provoked by the substance passage to the effusion fluid; d) the statistical analysis using discrimining function methods makes possible a better distinction among the various kinds of liver diseases; e) the same type of statistical analysis shows a difference between cirrhotics with ascites responding to medical therapy in comparison to treatment- resistent ascites. This fact may account for a different level of hepatic functional activity.