Successful Combined Therapy with Sairei-to and Ursodeoxycholic Acid for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

A 62-year-old woman showed signs of liver dysfunction of unknown etiology in 1994. She was admitted to our hospital in July 1996 because the liver dysfunction, as well as general fatigue, worsened. Anti-mitochondrial antibodies were present, and a liver biopsy was performed. Pathological findings were compatible with primary biliary cirrhosis. Treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (600mg/day) was initiated in August 1996, and liver dysfunction improved. However, ESR and IgM did not improve, and general fatigue persisted. In December 1996, Sairei-to was combined with ursodeoxycholic acid. One month later, ESR, IgM, and general fatigue improved. In May 1997, Sairei-to was replaced by Keishibukuryo-gan because of her symptoms (Hie-sho and varix pain), and liver dysfunction and general fatigue reappeared. Keishibukuryo-gan was later discontinued because of suspected drug-induced hepatitis. Two months later, liver dysfunction remained unimproved. Sairei-to was administered again and liver dysfunction and other symptoms disappeared. These results suggest that combined therapy with Sairei-to and ursodeoxycholic acid is effective in the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis.