[The effect of ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with liver cirrhosis and chronic hypertransaminasemia]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) oral administration on alanine aminotransferases (ALT) levels in cirrhotic patients with chronic hypertransaminasemia. Ninety consecutive patients with histologically proven liver cirrhosis and ALT levels higher than twice the upper limit of normal for at least six months, were admitted to the study. All the patients were treated with UDCA 10 mg/kg/day for one year. At the end of this period they were randomized to placebo or to continue UDCA therapy for three further months. ALT levels were evaluated before the beginning of UDCA therapy, at twelve and fifteen months by standard methods. After 12 months of UDCA, ALT decreased significantly (-39 UI, 95% confidence intervals -27 to -52 UI). At the 15 th month ALT did not vary with respect to its values at the 12th month in 36 patients randomized to continue UDCA, while it increased significantly in patients taking the placebo (+11 UI 95% confidence intervals +2 to +19). The results of this study suggest that UDCA is effective in controlling the biochemical activity of the liver disease in cirrhotic patients.