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  • Title: Effects of medroxyprogesterone on the liver function and drug metabolism of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and chronic active hepatitis.
    Author: Sotaniemi EA, Hynnynen T, Ahlqvist J, Ahokas JT, Puoskari U, Pelkonen I.
    Journal: J Med; 1978; 9(2):117-28. PubMed ID: 276564.
    Abstract:
    Effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate on the clinical course of six patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and chronic active hepatitis (CAH) were investigated. The response in all subjects was good; the subjective symptoms decreased, the liver function tests showed a tendency towards normal values. Furthermore, the levels of serum antibodies 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. The results suggest that medroxyprogesterone may be a valuable alternative for patients with autoimmune liver disease, particularly in cases developing resistance or undesirable reactions to the previous therapy. Clinical investigation was undertaken into the effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate on the course of PBC (primary biliary cirrhosis) and CAH (chronic active hepatitis) in 6 patients. The patients were selected on the basis of clinical, serological, and histological studies. All had developed resistance and/or side effects to previous therapy with other drugs. The etiology of these liver dysfunctions is believed to be related to sex hormones, especially estrogen. The response to the medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy was good in all subjects. Subjective symptoms decreased, liver function tests began to approach normal values, the levels of serum antibodies declined, and the hepatic metabolic ability, measured by serum albumin levels and indices of drug metabolism, improved. All the results are illustrated in tabular and graphic form. The beneficial effects of progesterone on the patients are attributed to a possible immunosuppressive effect and an enhancing effect on protein synthesis. Medroxyprogesterone therapy seems to be a valuable alternative for patients with autoimmune liver disease, particularly those who have not responded satisfactorily to other treatment.
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