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. 1997 Mar;32(3):476-8.
doi: 10.1016/s0022-3468(97)90610-2.

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

P G Gamba  1 , L Zancan, P Midrio, M Muraca, M T Vilei, E Talenti, M Guglielmi
Affiliations

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

P G Gamba et al. J Pediatr Surg. 1997 Mar.

Abstract

Background: Medical treatment of gallstones with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) 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.

Methods: 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 a 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.

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