Nasobiliary drainage induces long-lasting remission in benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis

Abstract

Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) is characterized by episodic cholestasis and pruritus without anatomical obstruction. Effective medical treatment is not available. We report complete and long-lasting disappearance of pruritus and normalization of serum bile salt concentrations in cholestatic BRIC patients within 24 hours after endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (NBD). Relative amounts of phospholipids and bile salts in bile collected during NBD appeared to be normal, but phospholipids other than phosphatidylcholine (especially sphingomyelin) were increased. In conclusion, we propose that temporary endoscopic nasobiliary drainage should be considered in cholestatic BRIC patients. Copyright © 2005 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.