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Lookup NU author(s): Professor David Jones, Emeritus Professor Oliver James, Dr Michael Bramble
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Background: The symptoms of the chronic cholestatic liver disease primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), in particular fatigue and chronic pruritus, adversely affect quality of life and respond only poorly to treatment. Recent studies have suggested that oxidative stress may play a role in tissue damage in cholestatic liver disease and may contribute to symptoms, such as fatigue. We have, therefore, examined, in an open-label pilot study, the therapeutic effects of antioxidant medication on the biochemistry and symptomatology of PBC. Methods: Patients were randomized to 3 months treatment with a compound antioxidant vitamin preparation (Bio-Antox), four tablets daily (n = 11, group 1), or the combination of Bio-Quinone Q10 (100 mg) with Bio-Antox (n = 13, group 2). Biochemical and symptomatic responses were assessed at 3 months. Results: Significant improvement in both pruritus and fatigue was seen in the patients in group 2. Mean itch visual analogue score improved from 2.4 ± 3.0 to 0.4 ± 0.7 post therapy (P < 0.05) while mean night itch severity score improved from 2.6 ± 1.9 to 1.3 ± 0.7 (P < 0.05). Nine of 13 of these patients reported less fatigue, while 10/13 showed an improvement in at least one domain of their Fisk Fatigue Severity Score. No significant improvement in itch and only limited improvement in fatigue were seen in the patients in group 1. No change in biochemical parameters was seen in either group. Conclusions: Antioxidant therapy, as a combination of Bio-Antox and Bio-Quinone Q10, may improve the pruritus and fatigue of PBC. This combination of therapy should be investigated further in a doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial.
Author(s): Watson JP, Jones DEJ, James OFW, Cann PA, Bramble MG
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Year: 1999
Volume: 14
Issue: 10
Pages: 1034-1040
Print publication date: 01/10/1999
ISSN (print): 0815-9319
ISSN (electronic): 1440-1746
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1746.1999.01968.x
DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.1999.01968.x
PubMed id: 10530501
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