Efficacy of Liv 52 in alcoholic liver disease

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Liv 52 in patients with alcoholic liver disease. METHOD: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at Teaching Hospital. Ragama. 80 patients with alcoholic liver disease who fulfilled inclusion criteria were randomly assigned Liv 52 (cases; n=40) or placebo (controls) three capsules twice daily for six months. All subjects underwent clinical examination, and laboratory investigations for routine blood chemistry, serum cholesterol and liver function before commencement of therapy (baseline). Thereafter, clinical assessments were done monthly, while laboratory investigations were done after 1 month and 6 months of therapy. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the age composition, alcohol intake and baseline liver function between the two groups. The two sample t-test was used to analyze data obtained after 2,3.4,5 and 6 months of therapy against baseline values. There was no significant difference in clinical outcome and liver chemistry between the two groups at any time point. No adverse effect attributable to the drug was reported. CONCLUSION: Liv 52 does not seem to be useful in the management of patients with alcohol induced liver disease.