Importance of breath tests for the evaluation liver function in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Breath tests for the evaluation liver metabolic function are a non-invasive diagnostic method with high sensitivity and specificity. Up today, the issue of liver damage in patients with chronic kidney disease has not been investigated sufficiently, although it might have significant clinical consequences. The following article describes the principles of breath tests, experiences with breath tests in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the results of our pilot study with methacetin breath tests in patients with CKD and in regular peritoneal dialysis treatment.