Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
What is Primary Biliary Cirrhosis?
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic disease of progressive irritation and inflammation of the bile ducts in the liver. This irritation and inflammation blocks the flow of bile from the liver. Bile is a fluid produced in the liver, essential for the proper digestion of fats which also helps rid the body of worn-out red blood cells, cholesterol and toxins. Eventually, the blockage of bile causes a buildup of harmful substances in the liver which can lead to liver damage, namely cirrhosis (a condition in which the liver slowly deteriorates and malfunctions). PBC is considered to be an uncommon disease, but not rare.
References
American Liver Foundation, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis” http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/pbc/ Retrieved September 7, 2011
Mayo Clinic, “Primary Biliary Cirrhosis” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/primary-biliary-cirrhosis/DS00604 Retrieved September 7, 2011
MedicineNet.com, “Primary Biliary Cirrhosis” http://www.medicinenet.com/primary_biliary_cirrhosis/article.htm Retrieved September 7, 2011
Medscape Reference, “Primary Biliary Cirrhosis” http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/171117-overview Retrieved September 7, 2011<//p>
PubMed Health, “Primary Biliary Cirrhosis” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001327/ Retrieved September 7, 2011
World Journal of Gastroenterology, “Clinical Features and Management of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2716586/?tool=pmcentrez Retrieved September 7, 2011
