Primary biliary cirrhosis

Alternative names:

PBC

Definition:

An inflammatory condition resulting from obstruction of the flow of bile in the liver, causing damage to the liver cells.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Bile ducts within the liver become inflamed due to unknown cause. The disease affects middle-aged women most frequently. The onset of symptoms is gradual, with itching skin as the first symptom. Inflammation of the bile ducts within the liver occurs. Eventually, liver cirrhosis develops. The disease may be associated with autoimmune disorders. The incidence is 8 out of 100,000 people.