Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease which causes progressive destruction of the small bile ducts within the liver -the bile ducts are the channels through which bile flows. The immune system attacks the cells lining the bile ducts within the liver as if they are foreign to the body itself, i.e., attacking its own cells. This inflammation in the bile ducts causes poor drainage of bile acids which leak out and can damage the normal liver cells. Over many years, this causes inflammation and scarring which may result in cirrhosis. Many people who have PBC never develop cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis may develop potential problems, requiring long-term monitoring.

PBC predominantly affects females at a ratio of approximately nine women to every one man, although PBC in men behaves in an identical way to that in women. PBC is more common in families where one member is known to be affected. What initiates the bile duct damage is unknown. The trigger could be an infection, or a toxin. It often presents in women aged between 30-55 years, although it may be diagnosed at any age. Common symptoms of PBC include itching (pruritis), chronic fatigue, dry eyes and dry mouth and joint pains.

Treatment for PBC is usually a drug called Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) which is considered the "Standard of care" in PBC.

If you are concerned about your liver health and would like to book a FibroScan® Liver Assessment (a pain-free, non-invasive examination of liver health and a reliable alternative to liver biopsy), please contact us here.