It is a progressive disease characterized by destruction of small bile ducts
Primary biliary cirrhosis is the gradual destruction of the biliary system for unknown reasons.
It represents 15-20% of all cirrhosis
yes
Cirrhosis
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
Itching is caused by a buildup of bile in the skin and fatigue are early symptoms.
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.
Cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis
Ninety percent of patients with this disease are women between the ages of 35 and 60.
Chronic liver infections, such as hepatitis B and particularly hepatitis C, are commonly linked to cirrhosis.
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.