[Multicenter study on the litholytic effect of ursodeoxycholic acid. 30 cases]. / Etude multicentrique sur l'effet litholytique de l'acide ursodésoxycholique. 30 cas.

In the context of a cooperative clinical trial carried out in the Cantons of Basel and Vaud, Switzerland, the litholytic effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursochol) in a daily dose of 9 mg/kg was investigated in 42 patients with radiotransparent gallstones. The litholytic effect was evident in 22 (73%) of the 30 patients followed up for a maximum period of 1 year. Complete dissolution of gallstones was obtained in 40% of cases. In addition, ursodeoxycholic acid significantly reduced (p less than 0,001) the dyspeptic-painful symptoms and the number of biliary colics. Tolerance was excellent. In particular, no cases of diarrhea were observed.

[Follow-up of 52 patients with chronic aggressive hepatitis]. / Velaufsbeobachtungen bei 52 Patienten mit chronisch-aggressiver Hepatitis

52 patients with histologically proven chronic aggressive hepatitis have been followed up for a mean period of 31 months by regular clinical visits, laboratory controls and liver biopsies. Only patients already with a decompensated liver cirrhosis at the time of the first biopsy had a deteriorating course of the disease. According to our criteria of activity of the disease, only 6 cases needed treatment. 6 patients died during the period of follow-up, 5 of them from malignant tumors.

[Results of coloscopy of polypectomy in the years 1974-1975 at the Basel county hospital]. / Resultate der Kolonoskopien und Polypektomien der Jahre 1974 and 1975 am Kantonsspital Basel

The diagnostic value of coloscopy was assessed by analysis of the endoscopic findings in 310 patients investigated between January 1974 and December 1975. Altogether, 342 coloscopies were performed with a complication rate of 1.5% (3 perforations, 2 hemorrhages). Polyposis of the colon, inconclusive radiologic findings and search for a bleeding source were the main indications for the endscopic examination of the colon. Special attention was focused on polyposis, its distribution and estension, radiological appearance and histology. 65% of the polyps with a known tendency to become malignant were found beyond the reach of the rigid rectosigmoidoscope. However, 98% were localized below the splenic flexure.

[Evaluation of the Lundh test in the diagnosis of exocrine pancreas insufficiency]. / Aussagekraft des Lundh-Tests in der Diagnose der exokrinen Pankreasinsuffizienz

The results of 611 Lundh-tests performed on 546 patients over a period of 4 1/2 years have been evaluated. The test was highly reliable in the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic deficiency. False-normal results were seen in 2.04% and false-abnormal in 3%. The test does not differentiate between chronic pancreatitis and carcinoma. Extrapancreatic factors depressing duodenal tryptic activity are discussed.