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Semin Liver Dis 2017; 37(01): 060-072
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1597929
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Novel Treatment Strategies for Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Albert Parés
1   Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 February 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Despite the presumed immunological pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis, no clear or even harmful consequences have resulted from treatments designed to modify the immunological condition. Ursodeoxycholic acid (13–16 mg/kg/d) has, however, clear favorable effects that not only improve biochemical cholestasis, but also delay histological progression. Long-term treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid is associated with excellent transplant-free survival in cases showing a biochemical response at 1 year. Data on the effects of obeticholic acid and fibrates are encouraging. Moreover, recent pilot studies evaluating several biological agents targeting immunity such as different monoclonal antibodies and other drugs that modulate cholestasis are under investigation, although with limited results at present.

Keywords

ursodeoxycholic acid - fibrates - budesonide - obeticholic acid
 

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