In the subgroup of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis  , ursodeoxycholic acid  reduced total cholesterol ( WMD : − 29.86 mg/dL , 95 % CI : -47.39 , − 12.33 , p = 0.001 ) and LDL-C ( WMD : -37.27 mg/dL , 95 % CI : -54.16 , − 20.38 , p < 0.001 ) concentrations without affecting TG and HDL-C. Conclusion This meta- analysis suggests that ursodeoxycholic acid therapy might be associated with significant total cholesterol lowering particularly in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Objective The aim of this meta- analysis of r and omized placebo-controlled trials was to examine whether ursodeoxycholic acid treatment is an effective lipid-lowering agent .
Ursodeoxycholic acid for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis. Interim analysis of a double-blind multicentre randomized trial. The UDCA-PBC Study Group.
Based on uncontrolled observations , we have proposed ursodeoxycholic acid ( UDCA ) as a novel therapeutic approach in primary biliary cirrhosis ( PBC ) . To confirm and extend our original findings , we have design ed a double-blind multicentre r and omized clinical trial . An interim analysis was planned at 6 months , involving all subjects included in the trial , with a final analysis at 2 years . The  UDCA-PBC trial began in June 1987 and will be completed in March 1990 . Seventy patients were r and omized to receive UDCA and 68 a placebo .  The two groups were well matched with respect to age , sex , duration and prevalence of symptoms and histologic severity ( 50 % of the UDCA group had stage III-IV disease vs. 37 % of the placebo group ) . During the first 6 months of follow-up , six patients withdrew from the trial . At 6 months , the proportion of patients with jaundice was significantly lower ( p less than 0.01 ) in UDCA recipients than in the placebo group . There was a similar decrease in the proportion of patients with pruritus and fatigue in both groups . The following laboratory test values were significantly lower in UDCA recipients than in the placebo group after 6 months of therapy : serum bilirubin , alkaline phosphatase , alanine aminotransferase ( ALAT ) , aspartate aminotransferase ( ASAT ) , gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activities ( p less than 0.001 ) , cholesterol ( p less than 0.003 ) and IgM levels ( p less than 0.03 ) . The results of this interim analysis confirm and extend the biochemical data provided by our previous pilot study . However the final analysis of the trial is necessary for a definitive assessment of the safety and efficacy of UDCA therapy in PBC
In the subgroup of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis  , ursodeoxycholic acid  reduced total cholesterol ( WMD : − 29.86 mg/dL , 95 % CI : -47.39 , − 12.33 , p = 0.001 ) and LDL-C ( WMD : -37.27 mg/dL , 95 % CI : -54.16 , − 20.38 , p < 0.001 ) concentrations without affecting TG and HDL-C. Conclusion This meta- analysis suggests that ursodeoxycholic acid therapy might be associated with significant total cholesterol lowering particularly in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Objective The aim of this meta- analysis of r and omized placebo-controlled trials was to examine whether ursodeoxycholic acid treatment is an effective lipid-lowering agent .