Pharmacological treatment of biliary cirrhosis with ursodeoxycholic acid.
BACKGROUND
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a cholestatic liver disease that at one time was the leading indication for liver transplantation. Treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid has clearly improved the natural history of primary biliary cirrhosis.


METHODS
The treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis with a focus on ursodeoxycholic acid is covered. Papers related to treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis and associated conditions, using a variety of drugs but with a focus on ursodeoxycholic acid, are included. The papers reviewed date from 1984 - 2009.


BACKGROUND
The reader will gain an up-to-date understanding of current treatment strategies for primary biliary cirrhosis using ursodeoxycholic acid and an appreciation of what conditions are improved with this therapy and what associated conditions are not.


CONCLUSIONS
Ursodeoxycholic acid in a dose of 13 - 15 mg/kg/day should be considered in all patients with primary biliary cirrhosis who have abnormal liver enzymes.
Abbas
Ghulam
G
Mayo Clinic, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 20 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Lindor
Keith D
KD
D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008105:Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology; D008930:Mitochondria, Liver / Q000201:enzymology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D014580:Ursodeoxycholic Acid