Randomised controlled double-blind trial of the calcium channel antagonist amlodipine in the treatment of acute alcoholic hepatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Calcium channel blockers have a hepatoprotective action in animal models of alcohol-induced liver injury but their effect in alcoholic liver disease in humans has not been previously investigated. We have conducted a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the possible benefit of the calcium channel blocker amlodipine in terms of 4-week survival in hospitalised patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis.