Esophageal Varices

Esophageal Varices
 

• Lindor KD, Jorgensen RA, Therneau TM, et al [ Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn]
  Ursodeoxycholic Acid Delays the Onset of Esophageal Varices in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
  Mayo Clin Proc 72: 1137-1140, 1997
     
  Ursodeoxycholic acid [UDCA] is a useful agent in management of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis [ PBC]. In general it improves liver function as evidenced by biochemical studies. It thus delays liver transplant.
     
  The present paper has 180 patients of PBC treated with UDCA in a dose of 13-15 mgm/kg daily for 4 years or were on a placebo. Two yearly endoscopy in the treated group and at the end of the study for those on placebo i.e. 4 years revealed 16% incidence of varices in the former and 58% in the latter. If varices have to bleed the time provided is increased. Thus UDCA is a useful agent in management of primary biliary cirrhosis, and helps delay transplantation.