Four cases of alcoholic liver cirrhosis in alcohol-dependent patients treated with nalmefene].

Katsuyoshi Tamaki

Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai zasshi = The Japanese journal of gastro-enterology 2021

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Traditionally, abstinence has been regarded as the only appropriate goal in the treatment of alcohol dependence in Japan. Recently, harm reduction by reducing alcohol consumption, which has been used as a treatment approach in Europe, has gained recognition in Japan. The 2018 guideline for the treatment of alcohol dependence in Japan recommends abstinence as the primary goal, but reduction of alcohol consumption is described as an appropriate treatment goal in some patients. Nalmefene is an opioid modulator that is used to reduce alcohol consumption in patients with alcohol dependence. Here, we report the clinical course of alcoholic liver cirrhosis in alcohol-dependent patients who were treated with nalmefene for three months. Their alcohol consumption was reduced, which led to an improvement in liver function. Nalmefene provides a clinical benefit, constitutes a potential pharmacological treatment paradigm in terms of the treatment goal and dosing regimen, and addresses an unmet medical need in patients with alcohol dependence who need to reduce their alcohol consumption.

Citation

Katsuyoshi Tamaki. Four cases of alcoholic liver cirrhosis in alcohol-dependent patients treated with nalmefene]. Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai zasshi = The Japanese journal of gastro-enterology. 2021;118(1):93-100