Salivary caffeine as indicator for liver function

ABSTRACT

This study was carried on 15 patients and 6 normal controls matched as regard weight, age and sex., eight patients proved to be post hepatitis liver cirrhosis [4 males and 4 females] and seven patients was proved to be hepatic bilharzial fibrosis [4 females and 3 males]. After withdrawal of fasting blood samples for liver function, caffeine was given [3.5 mg/kg body weight] orally. Then, blood and salivary samples were taken 2h. and 4 hours for estimation of caffeine. The mean 2h salivary caffeine of bilharzial group was significantly higher than that of the control group but other serum and salivary caffeine levels showed insignificant changes. This can be explained by the opend porto-systemic collaterals which facilitate the absorbed caffeine to by-passes the liver