A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Obeticholic Acid vs Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Grade I & II)

BACKGROUND NAFLD, a common liver disorder where fat builds up in the liver without excessive alcohol intake, can be effectively managed with pharmacological interventions. Two such treatments, OCA and UDCA, have shown promising outcomes in improving NAFLD parameters. However, a comparative evaluation of their effectiveness, particularly in individuals with Grade I and II NAFLD, is required. METHODS The research took place at a tertiary care hospital within the Gastroenterology Department and involved 80 individuals diagnosed with Grade I and II NAFLD. The participants were randomly allocated to receive either OCA or UDCA treatment for a duration of 6 months. Data was collected from various sources, such as patient records, case files, and laboratory test results. In addition, patient contact information was obtained to gather supplementary details and enable follow-up procedures. RESULTS The data obtained from the study was analyzed using SPSS 25 (SPSS, Inc., 2020), a statistical software program. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. Changes in liver size, liver function tests (LFTs), lipid profiles, and comorbidities were assessed before and after the treatment period. Statistical procedures, such as paired t-tests and independent t-tests, were employed to compare the outcomes between the two treatment groups. Both the OCA and UDCA groups demonstrated notable enhancements in LFTs, lipid profiles, liver size, and comorbidities. The UDCA group exhibited significant improvements in LFTs and lipid profiles, while the OCA group showed significant improvements in LFTs and lipid profiles, excluding triglyceride levels. Additionally, both treatment groups experienced a significant decrease in liver size. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that both OCA and UDCA have positive impacts on LFTs, lipid profiles, liver size, and comorbidities in patients diagnosed with Grade I and II NAFLD. However, UDCA appears to be more effective than OCA in improving NAFLD parameters and promoting liver health. To further validate these findings, it is essential to conduct long-term studies and randomized controlled trials that can evaluate the sustained effectiveness and safety profiles of these medications. Healthcare professionals should carefully consider individual patient characteristics, disease stage, and weigh the potential risks and benefits of each medication when making treatment decisions for NAFLD.