Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC), now often called primary biliary cholangitis, is a chronic autoimmune liver disease. Over time, it slowly destroys the small bile ducts within your liver, causing bile to build up and damage liver cells.
PBC may be silent at first. As it progresses, you might notice:
The exact cause of PBC isn't fully understood, but risk factors include:
At GastroDoxs in Katy, we blend expert liver care with a compassionate, patient-first approach. From cutting-edge diagnostics and on-site imaging to personalized PBC treatment plans, our goal is to slow disease progression and restore your quality of life. Ready to take control of your liver health? Book your appointment today online or call us at 832-632-4070. We make scheduling simple and convenient-because your well-being can't wait.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC), also known as primary biliary cholangitis, is a chronic autoimmune liver disease that slowly destroys the small bile ducts within the liver, leading to bile buildup and potential liver cell damage.
Early on, you may feel well, but as PBC progresses you can experience intense itching, fatigue, dry eyes or mouth, dark urine, light-colored stools, and discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen.
The exact cause is unknown, but PBC is believed to result from an autoimmune attack on bile ducts, with risk factors including family history of liver disease, certain infections or chemical exposures, and a strong female predominance between ages 30-60.
Diagnosis involves blood tests to check liver enzymes and antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA), imaging studies such as ultrasound or elastography, and in some cases a liver biopsy to assess the extent of bile duct injury.
Yes. Primary biliary cholangitis is the updated term for the disease formerly called primary biliary cirrhosis. Both names refer to the same underlying autoimmune condition affecting the bile ducts.
Yes. Because PBC is an autoimmune disorder, it can be associated with other autoimmune conditions and may cause symptoms such as joint pain or stiffness in some patients.
Itching (pruritus) can be relieved with medications like cholestyramine, antihistamines, or rifampicin. Your doctor will tailor therapy based on the severity of symptoms and potential side effects.
A balanced, low-salt diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is recommended. Avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and taking fat-soluble vitamin supplements (A, D, E, K) can support liver health.
First-line therapy is ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to improve bile flow. If response is inadequate, obeticholic acid may be added. Ongoing monitoring with blood tests and imaging guides further treatment decisions.
If PBC progresses despite optimal medical therapy and leads to liver failure or life-threatening complications, evaluation for liver transplantation becomes necessary to restore liver function and improve survival.
