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.
Primary biliary cirrhosis is the gradual destruction of the biliary system for unknown reasons.
yes
Itching is caused by a buildup of bile in the skin and fatigue are early symptoms.
It represents 15-20% of all cirrhosis
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.
Ninety percent of patients with this disease are women between the ages of 35 and 60.
Possibly - One of the symptoms is Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), due to increased bilirubin in the blood.
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.
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.
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.
It is a progressive disease characterized by destruction of small bile ducts
Surgery is the only treatment.