A chronic and progressive T-cell–mediated liver disease characterized by granulomatous destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts (1)
If untreated, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) can lea...
>60% of patients are asymptomatic at diagnosis.
Often identified by incidental finding of elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), or total serum...
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the only FDA-approved treatment for PBC and is associated with biochemical and histologic benefits. It does not affect symptoms such as fat...
Vaccinate patients against hepatitis A and hepatitis B (if not done previously).
Decrease alcohol intake, optimize weight management, promote tobacco cessation, an...
Consider PBC in middle-aged women with unexplained pruritus or asymptomatic elevations of serum ALP.
Exclude other causes of cholestatic liver disease. Perform imaging (ultrasound, CT s...
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