RIFAMPICINE TREATMENT OF PRIMARY BILIARY-CIRRHOSIS

Seven patients with primary biliary cirrhosis were treated with rifampicine administered for 2 weeks in a daily dose 450-600 mg. Due to the treatment the itch disappeared completely in 4 and decreased significantly in 3 patients. As shown by the antipyrine test, half-life and clearance of antipyrine returned to normal suggesting cytochrome P-450 induction as a result of hydroxylation activity. There was a tendency to lowering of bilirubine, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, asparagine - and alanine aminotransferase against an increase in gamma-globulines. The differences were, however, insignificant. Rifampicine tolerance was satisfactory.