Abstract |
Patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who represent higher than normal surgical risks may be the most suitable candidates for medical dissolution of gallstones. Chenodeoxycholic acid was given to 97 patients in a dosage of 15 mg/kg of body weight per day for a period of two years. Complete gallstone dissolution occurred in 27 of 97 patients (28%). If dropouts are excluded then the success rate is 27 of 64 patients (42%). Diarrhea was a common but manageable side effect for most. Thirty-two percent of patients developed chemical liver test abnormality; however, in only 13% was the degree of abnormality sufficient to require temporary (3%) or permanent (10%) cessation of therapy. Although better chemotherapeutic agents are needed, chenodeoxycholic acid is a reasonable choice for patients with non-calcified cholelithiasis in a functioning gallbladder if the patient is a heightened surgical risk. Because of the prolonged treatment period and the possibility of hepatotoxicity this treatment program requires a substantial commitment on the part of both the patient and the physician.
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Authors | T Tangedahl, W D Carey, D R Ferguson, S Forsythe, M Williams, K Paradis, N C Hightower |
Journal | Digestive diseases and sciences
(Dig Dis Sci)
Vol. 28
Issue 6
Pg. 545-51
(Jun 1983)
ISSN: 0163-2116 [Print] United States |
PMID | 6345110
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Chenodeoxycholic Acid
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Cholelithiasis
(drug therapy, surgery)
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Diarrhea
(chemically induced)
- Female
- Humans
- Liver
(drug effects, physiopathology)
- Liver Function Tests
- Male
- Prospective Studies
- Risk
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