Summary
The intravenous galactose liver function test, the technique of which is here described, is positive in a high per cent of cases with liver damage. It is negative in all cases where there is no liver damage. A negative test, however, does not rule out liver disease. In the early stages of jaundice it may be used in the differential diagnosis between hepatic and obstructive jaundice. In ascites it is of help in differentiating between a cirrhosis of the liver and cardiac decompensation. The progress of hepatic disease may be followed by repeated intravenous galactose liver function tests.
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References
Jankelson, I. R., and Lerner, H. H.: Intravenous galactose liver function test.Am. Jour. Dig. Dis. and Nutrit., Vol. 1, No. 5, July, 1934.
Roe, J. H., and Schwartzman, A. S.: Galactose tolerance of normal and diabetic subjects and the effect of insulin upon galactose metabolism.J. Biol. Chem., 96:717, April, 1932.
Somogyi, M.: Reducing non-sugars and true sugar in human blood.J. Biol. Chem., 75:33, Oct., 1927.
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From the 1st and 3rd (Tufts) Medical Services of the Boston City Hospital.
Aided by a grant from the Charlton Fund at Tufts College Medical School.
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Jankelson, I.R., Segal, M. & Aisner, M. Intravenous galactose liver function test. American Journal of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition 3, 889–890 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02999288
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02999288