Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) formerly known as primary biliary cholangitis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the liver which is chronic. Gradually, it gradually kills the bile ducts on your liver making the bile accumulate and rupture the liver cells.
PBC may be silent at first. You may find as it advances:
The precise cause PBC is not well understood but it is thought to be caused by risk factors such as:
In Katy, GastroDoxs combines the skill of liver care with the attitude of caring and treating the patient with compassion. With advanced diagnostics and on-site imaging to the individual PBC treatment programs, we will help to delay the disease development and to reclaim your quality of life. Are you serious enough to be a master of your liver? 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 cholangitis or Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune hepatitis that gradually destroys small bile ducts in the liver resulting in the accumulation of bile in the liver and possible liver cell damage in the liver.
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.
It is thought to be caused by an autoimmune response to bile ducts, but the exact mechanism of its pathogenesis remains unclear, and the risk factors that lead to PBC are related to family history of liver disease and some infections or chemical exposures, and the preponderance of female individuals between 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 a new name of the disease which was once known as primary biliary cirrhosis. Both of the names are the same underlying autoimmune disease of 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.
Drugs such as cholestyramine, antihistamines, or rifampicin can be used to relieve itching (pruritus). Therapy will be different according to the severity of symptoms and side effects depending on your doctor.
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.
The treatment of the first-line is ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to facilitate bile flow. In case of a poor response, obeticholic acid can be added. It is treated through the use of endurance following blood tests and blood imaging to go further.
When PBC arrives in spite of the progress in the optimum medical treatment and causes liver failure or life threatening complications, then, liver transplant must also be considered to help in restoring the liver functions and guaranteeing survival.
