Liver function breath test using aromatic amino acids

US5386832A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• New England Deaconess Hospital Corporation · US
• Metabolic Solutions, Inc. · US

Inventors

• David Anthony Wagner · Northville, US
• Martin A. Baker · Mahwah, US
• Peter A. Burke · Downingtown, US
• R. Amour Forse · Brookline, US
• John D. Palombo · Medfield, US
• Bruce R. Bistrian · Ipswich, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 11, 1993
• Grant date: Feb 7, 1995
• Expiry date: Jun 11, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K51/0406
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A test for determining hepatic function has been developed. This test uses oral administration of isotope labeled phenylalanine or tyrosine, particularly .sup.13 C-phenylalanine, in a rapid breath test. In the preferred mode, the breath sample is analyzed using a mass spectrometer and compared with a standard. The breath test provides a dynamic rather than static determination of hepatic function and can be used for both early and late stage liver problems.