Insulin and glucagon infusion in the treatment of liver failure.

In an attempt to improve liver function and promote hepatic regeneration in a patient with severe liver injury, insulin alone or insulin and glucagon were administered by constant peripheral venous infusion during a 61-day period. The response, as assessed by a broad spectrum of hepato-cellular function tests, including synthetic, detoxification, bile metabolism, and microsomal enzyme function, and also histological evidence, indicated a beneficial effect. Continuous insulin and glucagon infusion merits further evaluation in the treatment of some forms of hepatic failure.