[Gallstone dissolution in an adult female population: trial with lovastatin therapy].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There are no chilean reports on gallstone dissolution using oral medications.

AIM:

To measure the proportion of asymptomatic adult women eligible for gallstone dissolution therapy and to test the effectiveness and tolerance of lovastatin for this purpose.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

Three hundred fifty six women working at health care institutions were subjected to a gallbladder ultrasound examination. Non pregnant women with radiolucent gallstones of less than 2 cm phi were invited to receive lovastatin 20 mg od and were followed during six months.

RESULTS:

Twenty two women had gallstones and eight eligible women received lovastatin therapy. No reduction in stone size was observed in these women.

CONCLUSIONS:

Less than half of asymptomatic women with gallstones are eligible for oral dissolution therapy. Lovastatin did not reduce gallstone size after six months of therapy.

• Authors: J C Glasinovic, M Scrivanti, R M Mege, O Raddatz, A Alvarado, M T Valdivia, E Ahumada
• Journal: Revista medica de Chile (Rev Med Chil) Vol. 124 Issue 7 Pg. 793-8 (Jul 1996) ISSN: 0034-9887 [Print] Chile
• Vernacular Title: Disolución de cálculos vesiculares en una población de mujeres adultas: ensayo de terapia con lovastatina.
• PMID: 9138366 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anticholesteremic Agents
• Lovastatin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Anticholesteremic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cholelithiasis (drug therapy)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Lovastatin (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Patient Compliance