1955 Volume 44 Issue 3 Pages 148-155
In order to modify Dr. Nakagawa's test into a quantitative one, the author examined the elimination of the bile acid in the urine after its administration.
In parallel with this test, some other liver function tests were performed. The results were as follows:
1) The liver function is expressed as the elimination quotient (E.Q.) of the bile acid, namely by D.E. (E.Q. of Dehydrocholic acid), R. E. (E. Q. of Reductodehydrocholic acid) and R.E./D.E., and when D.E.>3.0, R.E.<4.0 and R.E./D.E.<1.0, it is disturbed.
2) In cirrosis of the liver every patient showed a positive result in this test.
3) In acute hepatitis, the disturbances of the liver function by this test were rather remarkable.
4) In patients with enlargement of liver due to other diseases, this test showed positive results, too, reflecting the liver function accurately and sharply.
5) The results of this test paralleled, generally, those of some other liver function tests.
6) This tests is suitable to detect the latent disturbances of liver function.