Overview - Primary biliary cholangitis (primary biliary cirrhosis)

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC, often referred to as primary biliary cirrhosis) is a type of liver disease that can get gradually worse over time. Without treatment, it may eventually lead to liver failure.

Symptoms of PBC

PBC does not always cause symptoms, but some people may experience:

• bone and joint aches
• fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• itchy skin
• dry eyes and mouth
• pain or discomfort in the upper right side of their tummy

Read more about the symptoms of PBC

How PBC is diagnosed

Many people are only diagnosed with PBC after having a routine blood test for another reason. PBC can usually be diagnosed just using blood tests.

Once PBC is diagnosed, you'll also need an ultrasound scan to help rule out other problems with your bile ducts and assess your liver.

A liver biopsy is occasionally recommended to assess your liver and help doctors decide on the best treatment.

This involves safely removing a small sample of liver tissue so it can be studied under a microscope.

Causes of PBC

Bile is a liquid produced inside the liver that's used to help digest fats, absorb certain vitamins and remove waste products from the body. It passes out of the liver through small tubes called bile ducts.

In PBC, the immune system (the body's natural defence against infection and illness) mistakenly attacks the bile ducts.

It's not clear why this happens, but it's thought to be caused by a combination of subtle differences in how the immune system works.

The bile ducts become damaged and injured, causing bile to build up in the liver. This further damages the liver and may lead to scarring (cirrhosis).

How PBC is treated

PBC is a progressive condition, which means the damage to the liver can steadily get worse over time.

The rate at which PBC progresses varies between individuals. Sometimes, it can take decades.

Without treatment, the liver can become so badly damaged that it no longer works properly. This is known as liver failure and can be fatal.

Current treatments such as ursodeoxycholic acid and obeticholic acid can help slow down liver damage caused by PBC.

Other medicines can help relieve the itchiness associated with PBC. Occasionally, if the liver is severely damaged, a liver transplant may be needed.

Read more about treating PBC

Complications of PBC

If PBC is not treated or reaches an advanced stage, there may be other problems including:

• osteoporosis – a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle
• portal hypertension – increased blood pressure inside the blood vessels in your abdomen
• ascites – a build-up of fluid in your abdomen (stomach) and around your intestines
• vitamin deficiencies – including vitamins A, D, E and K
• a slightly increased risk of developing liver cancer