Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Gastroenterology

Overview

Definition

Autoimmune destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts.

Epidemiology

Varies globally depending on genetics, environment, or exposure.

Etiology & Risk Factors

  • Autoimmune, heavily female-predominant.

Clinical Symptoms

  • Severe fatigue
  • intense pruritus (especially at night)
  • jaundice.

Clinical Approach

Diagnosis

  • High Alk Phos
  • Anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA positive).

Management

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)
  • Liver transplant.

Complications

  • Liver cirrhosis
  • osteopenia.