Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: Ten symptomatic patients with this disease were treated with methotrexate at a dose of 15 mg/wk in an open label trial. RESULTS: Eight patients completed 1 yr of treatment and six completed 2. Pruritus and fatigue decreased in all patients treated for at least 1 yr. Mean levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, ALT, and IgM were less at 1 and 2 yr than corresponding baseline means. Total serum bilirubin increased in three patients during treatment. Serum aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase became normal in one patient with stage I disease. Although liver biopsies at 1 and 2 yr revealed a decrease in the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate, they also showed an increase in fibrosis suggestive of disease progression. Methotrexate was discontinued in five patients: for disease progression in four (one at 4 months, one at 1 yr, and two at 2 yr) and for intractable pruritus in one (at 4 months). All patients experienced transient mucositis and intermittent dyspepsia. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | N V Bergasa, A Jones, D E Kleiner, L Rabin, Y Park, M C Wells, J H Hoofnagle |
Journal | The American journal of gastroenterology
(Am J Gastroenterol)
Vol. 91
Issue 2
Pg. 295-9
(Feb 1996)
ISSN: 0002-9270 [Print] United States |
PMID | 8607496
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Folic Acid Antagonists
- Immunoglobulin M
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Transaminases
- Alkaline Phosphatase
- Bilirubin
- Methotrexate
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Alkaline Phosphatase
(blood)
- Analysis of Variance
- Bilirubin
(blood)
- Clinical Enzyme Tests
- Evaluation Studies as Topic
- Female
- Folic Acid Antagonists
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin M
(analysis)
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Liver
(pathology)
- Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary
(diagnosis, drug therapy, pathology)
- Male
- Methotrexate
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Middle Aged
- Pilot Projects
- Time Factors
- Transaminases
(blood)
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