What describes the role of ursodeoxycholic acid in biliary cirrhosis?

• A. Cures the disease
• B. Causes rapid symptom relief
• C. Slows disease progression and improves cholestasis
• D. Has no effect

Answer: (C)

Ursodeoxycholic acid helps in cholestatic liver diseases by protecting liver cells and improving bile flow. It works by replacing more toxic bile acids with a gentler, hydrophilic one, which reduces bile acid–induced injury to hepatocytes and ducts. Over time, this can lead to improved cholestasis and may slow the progression of biliary cirrhosis, translating into slower worsening of liver function in many patients.

This explains why the best description is that it slows disease progression and improves cholestasis. It is not a cure, and its benefits are gradual rather than rapid, and it does have an effect rather than being inert.