Methacetin Breath-Test for Predicting Hep-C Survivability
November 30, 2009 | Terry Sharrer
13C-methacetin, an isotope labeled analygesic, has been used to diagnose liver disease because it quantitatively evaluates cytochrome P450-dependent liver function. In patients with advanced disease a breath-test can show decreased carbon dioxide in expired air. Gadi Lalazar, M. D., at the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, has now used such a breath test to evaluate survivability of patients with Hepatitis-C infection-with the possibility of making them eligible earlier for liver transplantation than by relying solely on the MELD (Model for End State Liver Disease) scoring system. . MORE