EFFECT OF URSODEOXYCHOLIC ACID ON CHOLESTEROL GALLSTONE DISSOLUTION

The dissolution of radiolucent gallstones was studied in 27 patients who were given 150mg, 300mg or 600mg of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) per day during over 6 months. The gallstones completely disappeared in 6 cases (22.2%) and reduced in size and/or in number in 6 cases (22.2). In no-dissolved cases who were given UDCA over 12 months, gallstones did not reduce in size and/or in number by more long term treatment. Total bile acid in serum increased to 3.8±5.24μg/ml (mean±SD, n=13) and UDCA occupied 54.2±15.9% after treatment, whereas it occupied 6.2±5.6% of total bile acid before treatment. Lithocholic acid (LCA) did not reveal in serum. An unknown compound was detected in serum of all cases after treatment by gas-liquid chromatography and the amount of this compound increased with increasing dose of UDCA. This compound was also detected in urine of treated patients and suspected as UDCA associated substance. In bile the ratio of UDCA to total bile acid increased significantly after treatment and the lithogenic index decreased. LCA in bile was slightly increased, but not significant. There was significant correlation between the lithogenic index and the UDCA ratio. Serum cholesterol level increased in 7.1% and serum triglyceride level decreased in 7.7% after treatment, but not statistically significant. Standard liver function tests remained normal during the treatment.