Evaluation of hepatic reserve in patients with Wilson's disease treated with D-penicillamine

Capacity for antipyrine oxidation and urinary excretion of its major metabolites

Abstract

Capacity for antipyrine oxidation and urinary excretion of its major metabolites (3-hydroxymethylantipyrine, norantipyrine and 4-hydroxyantipyrine) in 24 hours were studied in six patients with Wilson's disease (all but one were cirrhotic), who were treated with D-penicillamine during more than a year.
Wilson group presented no significant differences from control group on the plasma half-life and clearance of antipyrine, and urinary excretion and % conjugation of the major metabolites. Singificant prolongation of the half-life and significant decreases in the other indexes were demonstrated in posthepatitic cirrhotic group.
Capacity for antipyrine oxidation and hepatic reserve seem to be well preserverd in the Wilson's disease patients with cirrhosis under appropriate treatment, compared with those in the patients with posthepatitic cirrhosis.