CHANGES OF THE WATER TOLERANCE TEST IN HEPATIC DISEASE

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Abstract
Experimentally produced liver damage altered the diuresis produced by ingestion of water. A standard water tolerance test consisting of the adm. of 1500 ml. of water and measurement of the urine excretion at 30 min. intervals for 5 hrs. was used in normal individuals. The following criteria of normalcy were formulated: (1) total elimination; (2) rate of diuresis; (3) fluctuations of sp. gr. In cases of hepatic damage the total elimination of water in the test was reduced, diuresis was delayed, fluctuations of sp. gr. were lessened. In obstructive jaundice without hepatic damage the tests were not abnormal. The water tolerance tests are shown to compare favorably with the galactose tolerance test. When other factors that can affect water elimination are absent (hyperpyrexia, hypo-proteinemia, renal disease etc.), a positive water tolerance test is suggestive of hepatic damage.

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