Autoimmune Biliary Diseases Central

• Primary biliary cholangitis is an autoimmune disease in which the bile ducts are inflamed and slowly destroyed.
• Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is more prevalent in women than men.
• PBC is most likely to occur in people aged 30 to 60 years.
• Researchers believe that genetics combined with certain environmental factors trigger PBC.
• Environmental factors that may trigger the disease include infections, smoking cigarettes and exposure to toxic chemicals.
• Blood tests and/or imaging tests may be used to diagnose PBC; a liver biopsy may be performed if the diagnosis is unclear.
• More than half of people with PBC do not have any noticeable symptoms at diagnosis.
• Common early symptoms of the disease include fatigue and itchy skin.
• PBC can cause serious health problems, including cirrhosis, portal hypertension, varices, splenomegaly, gallstones and bile duct stones, liver cancer, osteoporosis, vitamin deficiencies, high cholesterol and hepatic encephalopathy.
• While there is no cure for PBC, medicines are available to help slow the progression of the disease and prevent complications.

Reference:

• Mayo Clinic. Primary biliary cholangitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376874. Accessed March 18, 2024.