| Abstract: | To assess the diagnostic value of radioimmunoassay determination of serum levels of glycocholic acid in alcohol-induced chronic diffuse hepatic lesions, this technique was compared by sensitivity and informative content with conventional hepatic tests. Hepatocytic function was measured in combined examination of 83 patients and 30 controls. It is shown that serum glycocholic acid concentration permits detection of early alcohol defects of the liver, excretory dysfunction in particular, control of cholestatic changes, of transformation of hepatic steatosis into hepatitis or cirrhosis, evaluation of cholestasis. The above radioimmunoassay is a useful prognostic tool in decompensated alcohol cirrhosis of the liver. |
