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Ursodeoxycholic acid improves cholestasis in infants with cystic fibrosis
H Scher1, W P Bishop, P B McCray
1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Insights
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) effectively treated cholestatic jaundice in two infants with cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease. This approach offers a cost-effective solution for pediatric hepatobiliary conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Genetic Disorders
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) can lead to hepatobiliary complications, including cholestatic jaundice, in infants.
- Early identification of liver dysfunction is crucial for managing CF-associated liver disease.
Observation:
- Two infants diagnosed with CF-associated cholestatic jaundice within the first six weeks of life were studied.
- These infants presented with elevated liver enzymes and jaundice.
Findings:
- Treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) at doses of 20-40 mg/kg/d resulted in improved liver function biochemical indices.
- This marks the first reported use of UDCA for cholestatic jaundice in infants with CF.
Implications:
- UDCA demonstrates potential as a safe and effective therapeutic agent for infants and children with CF-associated hepatobiliary disease.
- Higher UDCA doses may be necessary in pediatric populations due to absorption and enterohepatic circulation factors.
- UDCA represents a potentially cost-effective treatment strategy for this specific pediatric population.
Objective:
To describe two infants with cholestatic jaundice treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).
Case Summary:
Two infants with cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated hepatobiliary disease, manifesting as cholestatic jaundice and elevated liver enzymes within the first 6 weeks of life, had improved biochemical indices of liver function following treatment with UDCA 20-40 mg/kg/d.
Discussion:
To our knowledge, this is the first report of UDCA treatment in infants with CF-associated cholestatic jaundice. Infants and children require treatment with increased doses of UDCA to compensate for reduced intestinal absorption of bile acid and immaturity of the enterohepatic circulation.
Conclusions:
UDCA appears to be a cost-effective treatment for CF-associated hepatobiliary disease in infants and children.
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