Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic inflammation of the bile ducts inside the liver. The irritation and swelling causes blockage of the bile ducts which eventually damages the liver.
If you suspect you have PBC, you should work with your doctor to begin treatment as soon as possible. Most people with PBC live full lives for many years after being diagnosed. The long-term prognosis is best for those who work closely with their doctors to slow the progression of the disease and to treat its symptoms.
The exact cause or causes of PBC are unknown. However, because 95% of patients have autoantibodies known as mitochondrial antibodies in their blood, doctors believe it is an autoimmune disease.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with PBC, or has other liver problems, or if you have hepatitis B or C, tell your doctor.
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to PBC. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include the following:
To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor may order a liver
biopsy
, in which a sample of liver tissue is removed and examined to determine how much damage has occurred.
A liver biopsy is performed under light sedation, usually as an outpatient procedure. A needle is inserted through the skin and into the liver, or through a catheter inserted in a vein and into the liver, to obtain a small tissue sample.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Although there is no known cure for PBC, a variety of treatments may alleviate symptoms, slow the progression of liver damage, and reduce the possibility of complications.
Treatment may include:
Medications may include:
Most doctors prescribe, or recommend PBC patients take vitamin supplements, particularly vitamins A, D, K, and calcium, because natural forms of these vitamins cannot be absorbed properly when there is too little bile in the intestines.
Once liver damage has become severe, a
liver transplant
is recommended for patients with PBC.
RESOURCES:
American Liver Foundation
http://www.liverfoundation.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca
Canadian Liver Foundation
http://www.liver.ca
References:
Biopsy of the liver. Merck Manual Second Home Edition website. Available at:
www.merck.com/mmhe/sec10/ch134.ch134c.html
. Accessed September 21, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2008 by
Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.
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EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.