EFFECTS OF MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ON LIVER-FUNCTION AND DRUG-METABOLISM OF PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY BILIARY-CIRRHOSIS AND CHRONIC ACTIVE HEPATITIS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 9  (2) , 117-128
Abstract
The effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate on the clinical course of 6 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and chronic active hepatitis (CAH) were good. The subjective symptoms decreased and the liver function tests showed a tendency towards normal values. Serum antibody levels declined and the hepatic metabolic ability, as tested by serum albumin levels and indices of drug metabolism, improved. The beneficial influence of progesterone on the patients may be due to the immunosuppressive effect and enhancement of protein synthesis. Medroxyprogesterone may be a valuable alternative for patients with autoimmune liver disease, particularly in cases developing resistance or undesirable reactions to the previous therapy.