Gallstone Decalcification and Dissolution Using Chenodeoxycholate and Citrate
Author Information
Author(s): Avni Sali, Luis Vitetta
Primary Institution: The University of Melbourne, Repatriation General Hospital
Hypothesis
Can a combination of chenodeoxycholic acid and citrate effectively dissolve calcified gallstones?
Conclusion
The combination of chenodeoxycholic acid and citrate can partially or completely decalcify some calcified gallstones in selected patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Partial decalcification was achieved in 35% of patients with calcified stones.
- Complete decalcification occurred in 20% of patients with calcified stones.
- One patient with large stones had complete dissolution.
Takeaway
Some patients with hard gallstones can have them softened and dissolved using a special medicine and citrate, which is a substance found in lemon juice.
Methodology
Patients with calcified gallstones were treated with a combination of chenodeoxycholic acid and citrate for at least six months, and their responses were monitored through follow-up imaging.
Potential Biases
The study lacked a control group, which may affect the reliability of the results.
Limitations
The study was not controlled, and some patients withdrew from treatment due to side effects.
Participant Demographics
Patients included both men and women with calcified and large gallstones, aged between 23 and 81 years.
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