title: Low-dose chenodiol to prevent gallstone recurrence after dissolution therapy.
abstract: Chenodiol is a safe and effective agent for the medical dissolution of gallstones in selected patients; however, after dissolution and cessation of treatment, gallstones recur. This study was done to determine the recurrence rate after successful medical treatment and cessation of chenodiol therapy; compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose chenodiol, as compared to placebo, for prophylaxis against recurrence; and identify factors predictive of recurrence. In a randomized, double-blind fashion, 53 patients with gallstone dissolution received either chenodiol, 375 mg/d, or placebo, for at least 2 years. Standardized oral cholecystograms were done at 6 months, 1 year, and then yearly thereafter. Routine laboratory testing was done every 6 months. The cumulative rate of recurrence (life-table) was 27% in patients followed for up to 3.5 years. Chenodiol, 375 mg/d, was ineffective in preventing the recurrence of gallstones. No demographic, clinical, roentgenographic, or biochemical characteristics were predictive of recurrence.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002635:Chenodeoxycholic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002765:Cholecystography; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D011897:Random Allocation; D012008:Recurrence; D012306:Risk
chemical_list: D002635:Chenodeoxycholic Acid