Use and Safety Perception of Herbal Remedies in Patients With Liver/Biliary Tract Disorders An Italian Study

作者：Marignani Massimo^*; Gallina Sara; Di Fonzo Michela; Deli Ilaria; Begini Paola; Gigante Elia; Epifani Marcella; Angeletti Stefano; Delle Fave Gianfranco

来源：Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 2010, 44: S54-S57.

DOI：10.1097/MCG.0b013e3181e658bb

• herbal remedies
• liver/biliary tract disorders
• safety perception

Background: Use of herbal remedies (HR) has increased in the general population, particularly among patients with chronic diseases. Marketing of HR is usually regulated by imperfect standards, and the reporting of HR-related adverse reactions has increased. Studies assessing prevalence of HR use among patients with liver/biliary tract disorders are limited and no data are available in Italy. Aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of HR use, the clinical and demographic variables of HR users, and to evaluate their safety perception about HR.
Study: From October 1, 2007 to April 30, 2008, 231 consecutive patients attending the Liver Disease Unit clinic at Sant'Andrea Hospital, II Faculty of Medicine "La Sapienza'' Rome, were interviewed using an ad hoc developed questionnaire. The questionnaire addressed the following items: demographic and clinical characteristics, use of conventional therapy, use of HR and safety perception. Data were expressed as mean (+/-SD) or number/total, and evaluated by student t and chi(2) tests; univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression (MLR) were conducted.
Results: Prevalence of HR use was 35.5%. HR use was more common among women (P=0.01), and in patients attending sports activity (P=0.03). 72% of patients using HR had never considered potentially harmful HR-side effects or interactions. Sixty-seven percent used HR in addition to conventional therapy.
Conclusions: More than a third of patients attending Liver/Biliary Disorders Clinic uses HR. Misconceptions about HR safety is common.

• 出版日期2010-9