Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Topics

• What is Primary Biliary Cirrhosis?
• Causes of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
• Who is at Risk?
• Symptoms of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
• Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Diagnosis
• Treatment for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
• Alternative Options
• Prognosis for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis?

Many people with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) do not exhibit symptoms at diagnosis as symptoms usually come on gradually.  The most common symptoms are as follows:

• Itchy skin (pruritus)
• Fatigue
• Dry eyes and mouth (sicca syndrome)

Once the disease has progressed other symptoms occur such as:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin) – Jaundice is a common sign of advanced liver disease.
  
  
• Edema and Ascites – Swelling in the feet and ankles (edema) caused by fluid retention and fluid retention in the abdomen (ascites).
  
  
• Skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation) – Darkened skin due to inadequate bile flow.
  
  
• Xanthomas - (waxy raised deposits in the skin) – Fatty cholesterol may deposit in the skin around the eyes or in skin creases of the palms, soles, elbows, knees, or buttocks once blood cholesterol reaches very high levels. However, not all people with PBC develop xanthomas.
  
  
• Intestinal problems – Since bile is essential to the digestion and absorption of fats, PBS can cause intestinal problems which include diarrhea and fatty stools (steatorrhea) resulting in weight loss in the late stages of the disease.
  
  
• Metabolic bone disease - Patients with PBC may experience pain in the bones of their legs, pelvis, back (spine), or hips. This bone pain can come from one of two bone diseases, osteoporosis (sometimes referred to as thin bones) or osteomalacia (soft bones).

Who is at Risk? Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Diagnosis