Mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis in patients with an incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid

Jayant A. Talwalkar, Paul Angulo, Jill C. Keach, Janice L. Petz, Roberta A. Jorgensen, Keith D. Lindor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background & Aims: Despite evidence for therapeutic efficacy with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), only 30-50% of patients achieve complete biochemical remission within 1 year of therapy. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive medication that inhibits T and B lymphocyte proliferation. The aim of this investigation was to determine the safety and estimated efficacy of MMF in patients with PBC. Methods: Twenty-five patients with incomplete responses to UDCA (defined as persistent elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase ≥2 times the upper limit of normal) received MMF 1 g daily to a maximum of 3 g daily with UDCA (13-15 mg/kg per day) for 1 year. Liver biochemistries were determined at 3-month intervals with Mayo Risk Score calculated at baseline and end of therapy. Results: Nineteen (76%) patients completed 1 year of therapy. Despite improvements in serum alkaline phosphatase (920 ± 308 vs. 709 ± 242 IU/L, P = 0.001) and AST (65 ± 31 vs. 51 ± 19 IU/L, P = 0.007) levels, these findings were clinically insignificant. Exploratory analysis revealed a strong correlation between advanced PBC defined by higher Mayo Risk Score and reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase levels (r = -0.74, P = 0.006). Six patients (24%) did not complete therapy; adverse drug events were responsible for study withdrawal in 3 individuals. Adverse reactions that resolved spontaneously or by dose reduction occurred in 13 patients. Conclusions: MMF is not associated with important clinical benefits in PBC based on the results of this pilot investigation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)168-171
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of clinical gastroenterology
Volume39
Issue number2
StatePublished - Feb 2005

Keywords

  • Autoimmune
  • Cholestasis
  • Clinical
  • Immunosuppression
  • Trial

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

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