Diagnosis of hepatic dysfunction diseases by isotopic dilution GC/MS

Full text: A rapid GC/MS method in the selected ion monitoring mode (SIM) for caffeine level determination in children suffering of liver diseases is described. Caffeine and 15N-theophylline, the internal standard, were measured by using the isotopic dilution technique in 5 minutes, on a HP-5 capillary column 30 m x 0. 25 mm diameter, 0. 25μm film support in the temperature program 200-250 deg C, at 10 deg C/min. The method was validated in the range 0-20μg/ml caffeine. A dose of 4 mg/kg p.o. was followed by blood caffeine concentrations measurements at 1h and 12 h. Caffeine clearance, measured in patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, was reduced and half live time was increased in children with liver disease as compared with control. The method was applied in comparison with other clinical tests for diagnosis of hepatic dysfunction in children and other sensitive groups as pregnant women. (author)