Pioglitazone, vitamin E, or placebo for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (PIVENS)
Sanyal AJ, Chalasani N, Kowdley KV, McCullough A, Diehl AM, Bass NM
Published in New England Journal of Medicine
Methodology
Randomised, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin E 800 IU/day versus pioglitazone versus placebo for 96 weeks in 247 non-diabetic adults with biopsy-proven NASH.
Key Findings
Vitamin E achieved the primary histological improvement endpoint in 43% versus 19% on placebo, with reductions in steatosis and lobular inflammation but not fibrosis.
Conclusions
Vitamin E is superior to placebo for improving histology in non-diabetic adults with NASH.
Limitations
Excluded diabetics and cirrhotics; no fibrosis benefit; long-term safety of high-dose vitamin E uncertain.
Supplements Studied
Vitamin E was superior to placebo for improving histological features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Outcomes Measured
Vitamin E improved liver histology in non-diabetic adults with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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