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Primary biliary cirrhosis more aggressive in Hispanics vs. non-Hispanics

Hispanic patients with primary biliary cirrhosis had stronger disease progression and more complications compared with non-Hispanics with the disease, according to recent study data.

Researchers, including Cynthia Levy, MD, of the division of hepatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, used data from 204 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) enrolled at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital from 2000 through 2011.

Cynthia Levy

“It appears that Hispanics with PBC have a more aggressive disease course than non-Hispanics,” Levy told Healio.com/Hepatology. “The reasons for such disparities are unclear and may involve genetic as well as socioeconomic factors.”

Results indicated Hispanics (n=70) were more likely to have overlap syndrome of PBC and autoimmune hepatitis (31% vs. 12.8%; P=.002) compared with non-Hispanics. Among all PBC and overlap syndrome patients, ascites (24% vs. 12%; P=.03) and variceal bleeding (20% vs. 7%; P=.01) from portal hypertension were more common in Hispanics than in non-Hispanics at a median of 3.65 years of follow-up. Liver transplantations/deaths were not significantly different between cohorts.

In assessing other variables, researchers collected insurance information from 188 patients and found that 13 of 68 Hispanics were uninsured compared with five non-Hispanics. One hundred eighty patients underwent therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid for at least 1 year; Hispanics displayed lower treatment response than non-Hispanics (60% vs. 88%; P<.0001).

“Hispanic patients with PBC should be carefully evaluated for evidence of overlap syndrome and for response to medical therapy,” Levy said. “Nonresponders should be considered for novel and/or adjuvant therapies.”

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.