Is there a place for medical treatment in children with gallstones?

P. G. Gamba, L. Zancan, P. Midrio, M. Muraca, M. T. Vilei, E. Talenti, M. Guglielmi

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Background: Medical treatment of gallstones with ursodeoxycholic acid (UOCA) or chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) has not been evaluated in children. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of UDCA in the treatment of gallstones in children. Method: UDCA was used to treat 15 patients, (7 boys and 8 girls; mean age, 7.8 years; range, 3 months to 15 years) for 1 year. All had radiolucent stones with s maximum diameter of 10 mm and a normally contractile gallbladder. Results: The stones disappeared completely in two children but returned later. All symptomatic patients became symptom free. Conclusion: UDCA is ineffective in the treatment of gallstones in children except in terms of relieving symptoms while on treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)476-478
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery
Volume32
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 1997

Keywords

  • bile acids
  • chenodeoxycholic acid
  • Cholelithiasis
  • ursodeoxycholic acid

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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