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Has many features to suggest that it is an autoimmune disease, the system that drains bile from the liver into the intestines is progressively destroyed, the liver becomes scarred, leading to cirrhosis.
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∙ 13y ago
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What is the medical condition primary biliary cirrhosis?
Primary biliary cirrhosis is the gradual destruction of the biliary system for unknown reasons.
Is Primary Biliary Cirrhosis a rare disease?
yes
What are the early symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis?
Itching is caused by a buildup of bile in the skin and fatigue are early symptoms.
How common is Biliary cirrhosis?
It represents 15-20% of all cirrhosis
Who is most likely to develop primary biliary cirrhosis?
Ninety percent of patients with this disease are women between the ages of 35 and 60.
Are eyes effected by primary biliary cirrhosis?
Possibly - One of the symptoms is Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), due to increased bilirubin in the blood.
How is primary biliary cirrhosis diagnosed?
Blood tests strongly suggest the correct diagnosis, but a liver biopsy is needed for confirmation. It is also usually necessary to x ray the biliary system to look for other causes of obstruction.
What is the progression of primary biliary cirrhosis?
In some patients, the disease destroys the liver in as little as five years. In others, it may lie dormant for a decade or more.
What are the causes of primary biliary cirrhosis?
A lack of vitamin metabolism (vitamins K, D, A, E) because of the absence of bile to assist in the absorption of nutrients from the intestines.
What is chronic biliary cirrhosis?
It is a progressive disease characterized by destruction of small bile ducts
What can cause a person to have bilirubun in their urine?
Increased levels of bilirubin in the urine may be due to: * Biliary strictures * Cirrhosis * Gallstones in the biliary tract * Hepatitis with associated biliary obstruction * Surgical trauma affecting the biliary tract * Tumors of the liver or gall bladder
What is the treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis?
Ursodeoxycholic acid, a chemical that dissolves gall stones, provides substantial symptomatic relief. It is still unclear if it slows liver damage. Patients also do well with liver transplantation.
