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Adrenocorticosteroid therapy in alcoholic hepatitis. A prospective, double-blind randomized study
The American Journal of Digestive Diseases
|June 1, 1977
Summary
Prednisolone therapy did not improve survival for patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis. While steroids increased serum albumin and white blood count, they also appeared to raise the risk of fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute alcoholic hepatitis is a severe liver condition with high mortality.
- Current treatment options for alcoholic hepatitis are limited.
- The efficacy of corticosteroid therapy remains a subject of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of prednisolone in treating patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis.
- To assess the impact of steroid therapy on mortality and survival rates.
- To identify potential adverse effects associated with prednisolone treatment.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized, double-blind study design.
- Inclusion of 28 patients diagnosed with acute alcoholic hepatitis.
- Comparison between prednisolone treatment group and placebo group.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality rate was 39% in the study cohort.
- No significant difference in mortality or cumulative survival between steroid and placebo groups.
- Steroid group showed significantly higher serum albumin and white blood cell count after 14 days.
- An increased risk of fungal infections was observed in the steroid-treated group.
Conclusions:
- Prednisolone therapy does not appear to improve survival in acute alcoholic hepatitis.
- Steroid treatment may lead to an increased risk of fungal infections.
- Further research is needed to explore alternative or adjunctive therapies.