The Intravenous Galactose Test as Indicator of the Extent of Fibrosis in Patients with Cirrhosis of the Liver

Abstract

The values of the intravenous galactose test in control subjects and in patients with cirrhosis of the liver were compared with some laboratory findings and the extent of fibrosis in liver biopsies. In 10 control subjects the average T/2 value of the galactose test was 13 minutes (range 9′ to 15′ 30″). In 10 patients with light fibrosis, the values were not significantly different from controls. On the other hand, in 10 patients with severe fibrosis, the fibrotic tissue occupying more than 30 per cent of the liver lobules, a highly significantly prolonged T/2 of the galactose test was found (23 minutes and 23 seconds).

Key-words:

• Cirrhosis
• galactose
• liver
• liver function tests