Description Module
The Description Module contains narrative descriptions of the clinical trial, including a brief summary and detailed description. These descriptions provide important information about the study's purpose, methodology, and key details in language accessible to both researchers and the general public.
Description Module path is as follows:
Study -> Protocol Section -> Description Module
Description Module
Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-25 @ 3:52 AM
Ignite Modification Date:
2025-12-25 @ 3:52 AM
NCT ID:
NCT00844402
Brief Summary:
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is frequently associated with hypercholesterolemia and possibly with an increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Statins lower serum cholesterol levels and may thus improve the cardiovascular risk in PBC patients. The aim of our study therefore was to prospectively examine the efficacy of low-dose atorvastatin on indicators of cardiovascular risk such as dyslipidemia and vascular function as well as safety in patients with PBC.
Detailed Description:
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is often associated with abnormalities in serum lipids. Hypercholesterolemia is an established risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Since many PBC patients have a very slow progression of their underlying liver disease cardiovascular risk factors may become more relevant as prognostic facors. Whether statins lower serum cholesterol levels and reduce the cardiovascular risk in PBC patients remains to be determined. Statins are generally well tolerated and are not associated with an increased risk of hepatotoxicity in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However only limited data on safety on statins in chronic cholestatic liver diseases are available. In a recent pilot study at the Medical University of Graz atorvastatin did not statistically increase liver enzymes in PBC patients. However, data on long-term treatment with atorvastatin in these patients are not yet available. Moreover, long-term treatment with statins may have potential beneficial immunomodulatory effects on the disease course of PBC in analogy to other immune-mediated disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Study:
NCT00844402
Study Brief:
Protocol Section:
NCT00844402