Primary biliary cholangitis
Also called: PBC, Primary biliary cirrhosis
An autoimmune disease that slowly destroys the small bile ducts inside the liver, mainly in middle-aged women, leading to itching, fatigue and eventually cirrhosis.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Autoimmune attack on bile duct cells
Risk factors
- Female sex
- Age 40–60
- Other autoimmune diseases
- Family history
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Dry eyes and mouth
- Jaundice in advanced disease
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Raised alkaline phosphatase
- Anti-mitochondrial antibodies
- Elastography
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (first-line)
- Obeticholic acid, elafibranor or seladelpar for inadequate response
- Cholestyramine or rifampicin for itching
Operations and procedures
- Liver transplantation for end-stage disease
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Calcium and vitamin D for bone health
- Avoid alcohol
Possible complications
- Cirrhosis
- Osteoporosis
- High cholesterol
Prevention
- None known
Outlook
Normal life expectancy in most patients who respond to ursodeoxycholic acid.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for persistent itching or abnormal liver tests.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
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