ISSN:
1619-7089
Keywords:
Ammonia
;
Diagnosis
;
Emission spectroscopy
;
Isotope application
;
Liver
;
Nitrogen-15
;
Tracer technique
;
Urea
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Malfunction of the liver involves disturbances of urea synthesis and ammonia detoxification. These phenomena became apparent, especially during ammonia loading of patients. The functional state of the liver can be assessed by oral administration of 15NH4Cl and subsequent analysis of 15N-urea and 15N-ammonia in urine by emission spectrometry. Clinical tests based on the ratio of the excess abundances (see Appendix) of 15N-ammonia to 15N-urea excreted in urine 3 h after oral administration gave values for patients with liver disease which differed significantly from those for healthy subjects. Absorption disturbances, which often accompany liver diseases, do not influence the effectiveness of the method.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00252134
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