Role of Pentoxifylline in Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis

AIM: Role of Pentoxifylline is compared with placebo in the treatment of Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis.METHODS: Total 20 pts with severe alcoholic hepatitis (Maddrey DF ≥ 32) were included in the study.10patients received pentoxifylline 400mg TDS for 4wks.And 10 patients received placebo for 4 wks.Baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar.Study was conducted for 4 wks.RESULT: Statistical Analysis was done using student's t test.The calculated t value found to be 25.01 at 18 df which indicates the difference between Placebo and Pentoxyfylline group is highly significant (P<0.001).Higher baseline Maddrey Discriminant Function was associated with increased mortality.But Pentoxifylline lowers the Maddrey Discriminant Function thus improves survival.CONCLUSION: As compared to Placebo, Pentoxifylline reduce mortality, improved risk-benefit profile and lowers Maddrey Discriminant Function in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis.Hence it is suggested that pentoxifylline is efficacious in treatment of severe alcoholic hepatitis.