Efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid and corticosteroids for patients with hepatic form of primary biliary cholangitis

Abstract

In this retrospective case study, we investigated the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and prednisolone (PSL) in 20 patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), having concomitant features of autoimmune hepatitis, a hepatic form of PBC. In all patients, UDCA with/without bezafibrate was administered; serum levels of AST and ALP significantly decreased in 12 patients (60%). High levels of AST, ALT, ALP and IgG were identified as significant factors associated with a poor response to UDCA. Seven patients received PSL, and all of them achieved a biochemical response. No relapse was observed, along with tapering of PSL. In conclusion, more than half of patients with a hepatic form of PBC responded to UDCA therapy, and PSL was effective for non-responders to UDCA. Some serum markers were identified for factors suggesting requirement of PSL therapy. These findings warrant further studies to verify their impact to clinical practice.