Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

(PBC)

by Diane Stresing

Definition

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic condition inside the liver. It is swelling in a part of the liver called bile ducts. Over time, this swelling can cause permanent damage to the bile ducts.

The liver creates a fluid called bile. The fluid is sent out of the liver through bile ducts. The bile then moves to the gallbladder and the small intestine. Bile helps break down food in the intestines. PBC makes it difficult for bile to move out of the liver. The bile is not able to pass through the damaged bile ducts. As a result, the bile backs up into the liver. This leads to liver damage.

Bile Ducts

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Causes

The exact cause of PBC is unknown. However, because 95% of patients have specific autoantibodies, it may be due to an autoimmune disorder. This means the immune system is attacking health tissue.

Risk Factors    TOP

Factors that increase your chance of getting PBC include:

  • Gender: Women are nearly ten times as likely as men to develop PBC
  • Family history
  • Viral hepatitis—both hepatitis B and C

Symptoms    TOP

Symptoms of PBC include:

  • Fatigue
  • Itchy skin
  • Abdominal pain, especially in right upper abdomen
  • Signs of liver damage:
    • Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes known as jaundice
    • Spider veins
    • Xanthelasma—yellow deposits around eyelids

Diagnosis    TOP

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests will help to determine the extent of liver problems. They may also help look for causes like a hepatitis infection or autoimmune disorder. A liver biopsy will also help determine how much liver damage has occurred.

Detailed pictures of the bile ducts may be needed. To get these pictures, your doctor may order:

Treatment    TOP

There is no known cure for PBC. However, a variety of treatments may help to manage symptoms. Treatment can also help to slow the progression of liver damage and reduce the possibility of complications.

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options may include:

Medications

Certain medications may help control itching. Ursodeoxycholic acid may also help to move bile through the bile ducts.

Nutrition

Your doctor may recommend vitamin supplements. The low levels of bile may make it difficult for your body to breakdown food. As a result, you can not get enough vitamins from food. Vitamins A, D, K, and calcium are commonly recommended.

A healthy, well-balanced diet helps your overall health. Your doctor may recommend supplements if you are having trouble reaching your nutrition goals. You should also avoid raw shellfish if you have cirrhosis.

Avoid alcohol or other items that can effect your liver. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. Even some over-the-counter medications can be harmful with cirrhosis.

Liver Transplant

A liver transplant is the only complete cure for PBC. It is only considered when other treatments are unable to control symptoms.

Prevention    TOP

The exact cause of PBC is unknown, so there are no clear steps for prevention.

RESOURCES:

American Liver Foundation
http://www.liverfoundation.org
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca
Canadian Liver Foundation
http://www.liver.ca

References:

Heathcote JE. Management of primary biliary cirrhosis. Hepatology . 2000;31:1005-1013. Available at: http://www3.inters... . Accessed May 28, 2013.
Lindor KD, Gershwin ME, Poupon R, et al. Primary biliary cirrhosis. Hepatology . 2009; 50:291.
Metcalf JV, Howel D, James OFW, Bhopal R. Primary biliary cirrhosis: epidemiology helping the clinician. Br Med J . 1996;312:1181-1182. Available at: http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/312/7040/1181 . Accessed May 28, 2013.
Poupon RE, Balkau B, Eschwege E, Poupon R. A multicenter, controlled trial of ursodiol for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis. UDCA-BPC Study Group. N Engl J Med . 1991; 324:1548-1554.
Primary biliary cirrhosis. American Liver Foundation website. Available at: http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/pbc/. Updated October 4, 2011. Accessed May 28, 2013.
Primary biliary cirrhosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated February 11, 2013. Accessed May 28, 2013.
Primary biliary cirrhosis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) website. Available at: http://digestive.n.... Updated April 30, 2012. Accessed May 28, 2013.
Last reviewed May 2013 by Michael Woods, MD
Last Updated: 5/28/2013