Liver function assessment by quantitative ^99mTc sulfur colloid liver single photon emission computed tomography in decompensated cirrhosis following granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy

Decompensated cirrhosis (DC) portends high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Liver transplant is the definitive treatment, but it is limited due to high expenses, lifelong use of immunosuppressants, and side effects. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) therapy for liver cirrhosis, an affordable and effective treatment, has shown encouraging results. To predict the outcome of this therapy, an accurate quantitative determination of liver function is critical. In the present study, we have evaluated the role of ^99mTc-sulfur colloid liver single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for quantifying liver function in patients with DC after multiple courses of GCSF. Multiple courses of GCSF showed comparable values of QLU in baseline and 12th month. However, group without GCSF course showed significant decrease in QLU at 12th month from baseline. These results are in concordance with disease severity CTP and MELD scores. The study has shown ^99mTc-sulfur colloid liver SPECT as a useful, noninvasive quantitative test for assessment of liver function