Introduction
It primarily affects middle-aged women and Is frequently associated with other autoimmune conditions
Histopathological stages
- Stage I: Involves the infiltration of lymphocytes in portal areas and the formation of periductal granulomas.
- Stage II: Characterized by bile duct ductopenia and the advancement of progressive fibrosis.
- Stage III: In this phase, bridging fibrosis occurs, indicating a more severe progression of liver damage.
- Stage IV: Represents the final stage, marked by the development of liver cirrhosis.
Question for Primary biliary cirrhosis/Primary biliary cholangitis
Try yourself:
What is stage II of the disease?Explanation
- Stage II of the disease is characterized by bile duct ductopenia and the advancement of progressive fibrosis.
- Bile duct ductopenia refers to the loss or reduction of bile ducts, which can lead to impaired liver function.
- Progressive fibrosis is the development of excess fibrous tissue in the liver, which can further contribute to liver damage.
- This stage indicates a more advanced progression of liver damage compared to stage I.
- It is important to monitor and manage the disease at this stage to prevent further complications such as cirrhosis.
Report a problem
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Clinical features
- Fatigue (usually the first symptom)
- Marked generalized pruritus
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hepatomegaly, dull lower margin, RUQ. discomfort
- Splenomegaly
- Jaundice
- Maldigestion (may involve manifestations of deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins, e.g., osteoporosis)
- Xanthomas and xanthelasma
Question for Primary biliary cirrhosis/Primary biliary cholangitis
Try yourself:
Which of the following clinical features is typically seen in primary biliary cirrhosis?Explanation
- Primary biliary cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by inflammation and destruction of the small bile ducts within the liver.
- One of the hallmark clinical features of primary biliary cirrhosis is marked generalized pruritus, which refers to intense itching all over the body.
- This symptom is often the first to appear and can be quite distressing for patients.
- The pruritus is thought to be caused by the deposition of bile salts in the skin due to impaired bile flow.
- Other clinical features of primary biliary cirrhosis include fatigue, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), jaundice, and xanthomas (yellowish deposits of fat under the skin).
- Abdominal pain, muscle weakness, and weight gain are not typically associated with primary biliary cirrhosis.
- Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: Marked generalized pruritus.
Report a problem
Diagnosis
- Cholestasis Parameters: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), and conjugated bilirubin levels are indicative of cholestasis.
- Transaminases (AST/ALT): These enzymes are either within normal limits or show slight elevation.
- Autoantibodies:
- Highly prevalent antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are detected in over 95% of cases.
- Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are present in up to 70% of cases.
- Elevated immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels are observed.
- Liver Biopsy: Utilized for confirming the diagnosis and staging of the disease.
Question for Primary biliary cirrhosis/Primary biliary cholangitis
Try yourself:
What parameters are indicative of cholestasis?Explanation
- Cholestasis is characterized by impaired bile flow, and certain parameters can help diagnose this condition.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (?-GT), and conjugated bilirubin levels are indicative of cholestasis.
- Elevated levels of these parameters suggest bile flow obstruction or liver dysfunction.
- AST and ALT levels, which are transaminases, may show slight elevation in cholestasis, but they are not specific indicators.
- Autoantibodies like AMA and ANA are associated with cholestatic liver diseases but are not direct parameters of cholestasis.
- Elevated immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels are observed in cholestasis but are not specific to the condition.
- Therefore, the correct answer is Option A: ALP, ?-GT, and conjugated bilirubin levels.
Report a problem
Primary biliary cirrhosis-Management
There is no cure for PBC. Treatment consists of slowing disease progression and alleviating symptoms. Liver transplantation is the only definitive treatment.
First-line medical therapy
Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA):
- Slows down the progression of the disease.
- Improves clinical symptoms.
- Delays the necessity for transplantation.
- Also used for treating cholestatic pruritus.
Liver transplantation necessary if liver cirrhosis is advanced.
Question for Primary biliary cirrhosis/Primary biliary cholangitis
Try yourself:
Which is the first-line medical therapy for primary biliary cirrhosis?Explanation
- Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) is the first-line medical therapy for primary biliary cirrhosis.
- It slows down the progression of the disease, improves clinical symptoms, and delays the necessity for transplantation.
- UDCA is also used for treating cholestatic pruritus.
- Liver transplantation is necessary if liver cirrhosis is advanced.
Report a problem