Bile acid abnormalities in cholestatic liver diseases.
There is ample reason to believe that UDCA is the drug of choice in cholestatic liver diseases. It is possible that UDCA has to be administered for prolonged periods to see appreciable reversal in liver damage. Nevertheless, the amelioration of symptoms and improvement in nutrition of patients are equally important. Disabling symptoms such as pruritus are often brought under control, and quality of life improves. Clearly the goal for UDCA therapy is to slow the rate of disease progression, lessen the mortality risk, and improve the quality of life in patients. It is possible that a combination therapy would be more beneficial than UDCA alone. Initial results of administering UDCA with colchicine have shown no improvement in liver histology; however, administration of UDCA together with a strong anti-inflammatory drugs may be helpful to halt immune destruction of liver cells.
Salen
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G
Gastrointestinal Research Section, Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, USA.
Batta
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AK
D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D002756:Cholagogues and Choleretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D015394:Molecular Structure; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D002756:Cholagogues and Choleretics; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid