04
August
2015
PRIMARY BILIARY CHOLANGITIS (PBC)
- Uncommon disorder affecting the tiniest bile ducts in the liver
- Can progress to cirrhosis but often diagnosed early and thus the name of the disease does not mean that a person with PBC has cirrhosis
- Common symptoms are feeling more tired than usual and itching
- Common blood test called alkaline phosphatase is often elevated
- Affects women much more often than men, typically middle aged
- Usually responds well to a medication called ursodiol
- Can progress to cirrhosis if untreated
- Liver transplant is an option if PBC has progressed to cirrhosis
