Pilot study of low dose oral methotrexate treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis.

摘要: Objective : To assess the efficacy of low doses oral methotrexate as therapy for primary biliary cirrhosis. Methods Ten symptomatic patients with this disease were treated at a dose 15 mg/wk in an open label trial. Results Eight completed 1 yr treatment and six 2. Pruritus fatigue decreased all least yr. Mean levels serum alkaline phosphatase, ALT, IgM less 2 than corresponding baseline means. Total bilirubin increased three during treatment. Serum aminotransferases phosphatase became normal one patient stage I disease. Although liver biopsies revealed decrease intensity inflammatory infiltrate, they also showed increase fibrosis suggestive progression. Methotrexate was discontinued five progression four (one 4 months, yr, two yr) intractable pruritus (at months). All experienced transient mucositis intermittent dyspepsia. Conclusions These findings suggest that cirrhosis is not beneficial advanced ; early disease, may be associated amelioration symptoms, reduction biochemical indices hepatic inflammation. However, prospective, randomized, controlled trials will necessary definitive evaluation effects on quality life survival