The caffeine-carbon dioxide breath test may be a useful nonivasive measure of oxidative drug metabolism and liver function in alcoholic patients. 13-C-labeled methyl groups in caffeine are removed and further oxidized to 13-CO-2, which was measured in expired breath samples by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Single 100mg doses of caffeine were administered to 10 alcoholic patients, at intervals from 2 to 73 days after the patients' last alcoholic drink. The breath test results were expressed as the cumulative amount of 13-CO-2 expired in 2 hrs. The results of tests in 6 smokers and 4 nonsmokers were compared and the changes in results in each patient were examined. The results of the first test (2 to 7 days after the last drink) were, on the average, 3.8 times higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (p<0.01),indicating more rapid metabolism in smokers. Over time, the breath test results increased more than 20% in 2 smokers and 3 nonsmokers, but decreased more the 20% in test result was in-creased to >200% of the first measurement and in 2 patients to 150% - 200%. The maximum decrease observed was to 57% of the first measurement. It appears that this test can be used to detect clinical alcoholics.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01AA000237-07
Application #
3808647
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
1989
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code