Calculi biliary

Trade names Destolit (Norgine) Urso (Forte) (Axcan) Indications The dissolution of radiolucent (i.e. non-radio opaque) cholesterol gallstones in patients with a functioning gallbladder, primary biliary cirrhosis, biliary calculus. 

Obstruction of the pancreatic duct by a calculus or by carcinoma of the pancreas may increase serum LPS activity depending on the location of the obstruction and the amount of remaining functioning tissue. In patients with a reduced glomerular filtration rate, the serum LPS activity is increased. Thus care should be exercised in the interpretation of elevated serum LPS values in the presence of renal disease. Finally, investigation of the biliary tract by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography or treatment with opiates (which causes the sphincter of Oddi to contract) may increase serum LPS activity. 

In 1956, Hamre (159) reported a detailed study of the liver and biliary tract changes associated with vitamin A deficiency in rats. The animals were fed the diet for approximately 5 weeks. At autopsy, 86% of the rats showed pathological changes. The proximal two-thirds of the common ducts as dilated, and the bile contained masses of epithelial cells. Calculus-like bodies, either hard and chalky white or fragile and dull, were found in the dilated common ducts and consisted predominantly of masses of compacted epithelial cells. Crystals of inorganic salts, cholesterol, bile salts, and others were identified by microscopic examination of crushed stones. All calculi contained both acid-soluble and ether-soluble material. 

Etienne Ossian-Henry (Paris 27 November 1798-24 August 1873), director of the laboratory of the Academy of Medicine in Paris, published on the analyses of mineral waters, adulteration of wheat flour with potato starch, nitrogenous organic substances, the analysis of a biliary calculus free from cholesterin, and many papers of pharmaceutical interest. His a ysis of jalap showed that it contained resin, extract, starch, and woody fibre he also analyst horse-chesnut bark, which had been piopos as a substitute for quinine. 

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