Influence of azathioprine on hepatic reserve in chronic active liver disease.
The kinetics of hepatic indocyanine green (ICG) uptake have been analysed in 14 patients with chronic active liver disease. The removal of incremental, submaximal ICG doses were compatible with Michaelis-Menten kinetics in approximately 80% of studies in patients allowing the calculation of the maximal rate of removal (Rmax) and the Michaelis constant (Km). Neither of these variables correlated with other laboratory indices of liver function. Although determinations of Rmax before and after a two-weeks trial of azathioprine therapy were not significantly different, in two patients Rmax was markedly reduced by treatment. It is concluded that azathioprine over the short term does not improve the liver's reserve for ICG removal; in fact, in isolated cases this drug may be detrimental.
CiteULike 
Complore 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us 
Digg 
Reddit 
Technorati What's this?
Services
- Email this link to a friend
- Similar articles in this journal
- Similar articles in PubMed
- Add article to my folders
- Download to citation manager
- Request Permissions
Citing Articles
Google Scholar
PubMed
Bookmark with
Register for free content
The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.
Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.
