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Primary biliary cirrhosis - Treatment

Alternative Names

PBC

Treatment:

Therapy aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Cholestyramine (or colestipol) may reduce the itching. Ursodeoxycholic acid may improve removal of bile from the bloodstream.

Vitamin replacement therapy restores vitamins A, K, and D, which are lost in fatty stools. A calcium supplement can help prevent soft, weakened bones (osteomalacia).

Liver transplant before liver failure occurs may be successful.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome can vary. If the condition is not treated, most patients will need a liver transplant after about 7 years. Doctors can now use statistics to predict the best time to do the transplant.

Complications:

Progressive cirrhosis can lead to liver failure. Complications can include:

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have:

  • Reviewed last on: 5/20/2008
  • Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Silveira MG. Treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis: therapy with choleretic and immunosuppressive agents. Clin Liver Dis. 2008;12:425-443.

Mavo MJ. Natural history of primary biliary cirrhosis. Clin Liver Dis. 2008;12:277-288.