13C-METHACETINE BREATHE TEST FOR CHRONIC LIVER DISEASES: RESULTS OF CASE SERIES

Background. The liver pathology remains a serious problem for the health of the world’s population. The need for non-invasive methods for diagnosing these diseases is increasing every year; and a search for additional methods as an alternative for needle liver biopsy is underway. The 13C-methacetine breathe test (13C-MBT) is of great value in assessing the ability of microsomal liver function and a large potential for effective monitoring of hepatic parenchymal function in patients with diffuse liver diseases (DLDs). Objective: to evaluate the potential of 13C-MBT in patients with DLDs of different etiology and to identify additional opportunities for differential diagnosis between these diseases. Methods. In the North-Western State Medical University n.a. II Mechnikov, 13C-MBT to evaluate the functional reserve of the liver in patients with DLDs of different etiology (n=88) was conducted in 2016-2018. Study design: case series. All patients, in addition to mandatory tests, according to their nosology, additionally underwent 13C-MBT with further comparison of the data obtained, depending on the etiology of the process. Results. The analysis of the data obtained has revealed some deviations in the 13C-MBT indices with different DLDs, which makes it possible not only to obtain information on the functional reserve of the hepatic tissue, but also to be useful in differential diagnostics of the etiology of liver diseases. Conclusion. The analyzed data indicate that 13C-MBT reflects the dynamic processes in the liver; it is non-invasive, safe and easily-reproducible test. As a consequence, this method should be included in the list of additional examinations in the diagnosis of DLDs of different etiologies, and in the monitoring of therapy effectiveness.

C-metacetine breathe test, microsomal oxidation, diffuse liver diseases, non-invasive diagnostics, liver dysfunction