Gender and Age Predict Treatment Response in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Men and younger patients were two subgroups less likely to respond to ursodeoxycholic acid, a finding that helps to identify patients who might benefit from novel therapies.

Most studies examining phenotypic characteristics of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) have involved small numbers of patients from highly selected subpopulations. A more robust evaluation of this issue might help predict response to therapy.

The current study was a cross-sectional analysis of comprehensive data from a study cohort of patients with PBC in the U.K. Data included diagnostic reports, response to therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), laboratory tests, and symptoms (measured with validated PBC symptom scales).

Of 2353 patients with PBC (91% female), 80% reported current treatment with UDCA. In patients whose treatment with UDCA was considered adequate (duration ≥2 years), treatment response was 79%. Men were less likely than wom…

Reviewing Author

Atif Zaman, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Atif Zaman, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose