| Theme |
Liver and Immunity |
| Title |
Treatment and Prognosis of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis |
| Author |
Hiromi Ishibashi |
Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center |
| Author |
Atsumasa Komori |
Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center |
| Author |
Shinji Shimoda |
Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center |
| Author |
Minoru Nakamura |
Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center |
| [ Summary ] |
Currently, we have no curative therapy for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). However, treatments for conditions which develop due to progression of the disease are required. Cholestasis, cholestasis related symptoms such as itching or osteoporosis, symptoms derived from cirrhosis (portal hypertension, ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy), and PBC-associated autoimmune disease(s) such as Hashimoto ʼs disease and Sjögrenʼs disease should be considered when developing treatment. An advanced stage of PBC is an indication for liver transplantation. Clinical courses of PBC vary from patient to patient and are divided into three types. The majority of cases progress subtly without presenting any symptoms for long periods (slow-progressive type). However, some patients have esophageal varices in the early stages without exhibiting jaundice (portal hypertension type). The remainder will progress rapidly, exhibiting jaundice and will develop liver failure (jaundice / hepatic failure type). |