Primary biliary cirrhosis

Alternative names:

PBC

Treatment:

Therapy is aimed at symptomatic treatment and prevention of complications.

Cholestyramine or colestipol may reduce the itching by reducing blood levels of bile acids, and clearance of bile acids in the skin. Vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin D replacement therapy adds fat-soluble vitamins lost with fatty stools. A calcium supplement is indicated to prevent osteomalacia.

Liver transplant for advanced primary biliary cirrhosis prior to liver failure has been successful in some patients.

Expectations (prognosis):

The course of the disease varies; slow progression is associated with prolonged survival in some people. Untreated, cirrhosis leads to death.

Complications:

Progressive cirrhosis can lead to bleeding in the esophagus, hypertension in the veins of the liver, and encephalopathy (brain involvement). Osteomalacia, a condition that softens the bones, may develop.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if prolonged itching of the skin develops that is not related to other causes, or if jaundice or other symptoms of cirrhosis develop.

Vomiting blood, blood in the stools, confusion, and decreased mental states are symptoms that indicate cirrhosis may be worsening. Call your health care provider if these or other new symptoms develop.