Long-Term Cholic Acid Therapy in Zellweger Spectrum Disorders

Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSDs), a subgroup of peroxisomal biogenesis disorders, have a generalized defect in peroxisome function. Liver disease in ZSDs has been linked to accumulation of C(27)-bile acid intermediates due to the lack of peroxisomal β-oxidation of these intermediates to form primary C(24)-bile acids. Oral treatment with primary bile acid, cholic acid (CA), inhibits formation of hepatotoxic C(27)-bile acids by restoring normal physiologic feedback inhibition on bile acid synthesis. We present the long-term CA treatment and liver-related outcomes for 3 pediatric patients with ZSDs who have received CA treatment for ≥15 years. Ongoing CA treatment was associated with stabilized liver function, as shown by serum biochemistries and liver histopathology, and no treatment-related adverse effects were observed. All 3 patients have attended regular school with classroom accommodations and attained a good quality of life. Our patient outcomes suggest that early and ongoing CA therapy may sustain liver function in patients with ZSDs.