Primary Biliary Cholangitis Treatment; Helps Slow the Disease Progression and Manage Symptoms

Although there's no cure for primary biliary cholangitis, primary biliary cholangitis treatments can help slow the progression of the disease and manage symptoms. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic disease in which the bile ducts in the liver are slowly destroyed. The disease develops over time and in the later stages the liver may stop functioning completely. PBC may lead to liver obstruction, fibrosis, and inflammation in the bile duct. Primary biliary cholangitis can be caused by infection, autoimmunity, and/or genetic predisposition.

Symptoms may include elevated serum cholesterol, osteoporosis, itching, and malabsorption of fat and fat soluble vitamins, which can advance to sicca syndrome, jaundice, splenomegaly, hyperpigmentation, hepatomegaly, or Kayser-Fleischer rings. PBC majorly affects women and usually occurs in middle age ranging between 30 to 60 years. Primary Biliary Cholangitis Treatment is divided into four stages, such as stage 1 with no scarring to stage 4 known as cirrhosis. It is triggered by the combination of factors such as genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors.

Primary biliary cholangitis is divided into four stages, based on how much damage has been done to the liver. PBC advances slowly. Many Individuals lead active and productive lives for more than 10 to 15 years after diagnosis. A doctor may do a physical exam, ask about medical and family history, and do blood tests to diagnose PBC. Doctors use a blood test to look for a specific substance in the blood called anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA). The presence of this substance almost always confirms PBC.

The only cure for primary biliary cholangitis is liver transplant, but it is only considered as a treatment option if other less aggressive treatments have failed and the patient develops liver failure. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and/or Ursodiol (Actigal) is the first line primary biliary cholangitis treatment. It can help prevent or delay liver damage in most people, especially if started taking it in the early stages of the condition.