title: Gallstone dissolution by chenodeoxycholic acid and phenobarbital.
abstract: Gallstone dissolution and biliary lipids were determined and compared in patients receiving either chenodeoxycholic acid (CDC), or CDC and phenobarbital (PB) for 11/2 to 2 years. Among patients with radiolucent gallstones, dissolution occurred in 53% of those receiving CDC alone and in only 25% of those receiving both CDC and PB. No dissolution occurred in 13 other patients with calcified gallstones. Patients with dissolution had a significantly greater molar percentage of CDC and a significantly lower saturation index in bile than those without dissolution. Diarrhea and transiently abnormal liver function tests were the most frequently observed side-effects but only diarrhea necessitated a reduction of the CDC dose. Gallstones recurred following dissolution in one of six patients followed for six months after discontinuation of CDC. In conclusion, PB did not enhance CDC-induced desaturation of bile or gallstone dissolution.
mesh_terms: D002635:Chenodeoxycholic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D002635:Chenodeoxycholic Acid; D010634:Phenobarbital