Symptoms, Treatment, and Further Details of Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease that affects the bile ducts in the liver. This condition, which is more common in older adults, females, and white people, may have a genetic link.
In the early stages of PBC, symptoms may be subtle and include extreme tiredness, itchy skin, discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, joint pain or arthritis. High levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can indicate the presence of PBC.
As PBC progresses, it can lead to more serious complications. Advanced PBC may cause complications such as cirrhosis, portal hypertension, cholestasis, malabsorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins, infections, increased risk of liver cancer, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, hypoglycemia, renal tubular acidosis, and increased risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Diagnosing PBC typically involves a blood test, and doctors may also perform a physical examination, use imaging tests, or liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Doctors can monitor people with PBC by using blood and other screening tests to check vitamin levels and liver function. They may also prescribe treatments to slow the progression of PBC, such as ursodeoxycholic acid (ursodiol). In the late stages of PBC, a liver transplant may be necessary.
People with PBC must make lifestyle changes to manage their condition. This includes maintaining a moderate weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and consuming alcohol responsibly. They must also avoid alcohol consumption and stop smoking.
It's important to note that more research is needed to understand the prevention of PBC due to its genetic link. People with a family history of PBC should discuss this with their doctor to monitor the situation.
If someone does not respond to ursodiol, Obeticholic acid (Ocaliva) may be recommended. However, it does not improve survival or symptoms.
PBC progresses slowly over many years, and many people have no symptoms in the early stages. However, once symptoms develop, life expectancy can be around 10 years. A bilirubin level consistently above 2 indicates a mean survival rate of approximately 4 years, while a level consistently above 10 indicates a mean survival time of around 1.4 years.
In managing advanced-stage PBC, liver transplantation can significantly improve survival, although PBC can recur post-transplant at lower rates compared to other liver diseases.
References:
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis - Mayo Clinic.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis - National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis - Liver Foundation.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis - National Health Service (UK).
The scientific community is actively studying Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) to better understand its genetic link and potential prevention methods, especially for those with a family history of the condition. Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and responsible alcohol consumption are crucial for managing PBC and promoting overall health and wellness. As PBC progresses, it can lead to chronic diseases such as cirrhosis, malabsorption of fats, and increased risk of liver cancer, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and medical intervention. Achieving digestive health is essential, and regular medical check-ups and screenings can help detect PBC in its early stages.
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