PBC Info.

[Guest guest]

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)

Explore this section to learn more about primary biliary cirrhosis, including a

description of the disease and how it's diagnosed.

What is primary biliary cirrhosis?

Primary biliary cirrhosis, or PBC, is a chronic, or long-term, disease of the

liver that slowly destroys the medium-sized bile ducts within the liver. Bile is

a digestive liquid that is made in the liver. It travels through the bile ducts

to the small intestine, where it helps digest fats and fatty vitamins.

In patients with PBC, the bile ducts are destroyed by inflammation. This causes

bile to remain in the liver, where gradual injury damages liver cells and causes

cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. As cirrhosis progresses and the amount of

scar tissue in the liver increases, the liver loses its ability to function.

Cirrhosis also prevents blood from the intestines from returning to the heart.

PBC advances slowly. Many patients lead active and productive lives for more

than 10 to 15 years after diagnosis. Patients who show no symptoms at the time

of diagnosis often remain symptom-free for years. Patients who have normal liver

tests on treatment may have a normal life expectancy. PBC is a chronic illness

and may lead to life-threatening complications, especially after cirrhosis

develops.

What are the signs and symptoms of PBC?

Many people with PBC do not have symptoms, especially in the early stages of the

disease. When symptoms do occur the most common is pruritus, or intense itching

of the skin, often in the arms, legs and back. Other symptoms may include

fatigue, jaundice, fluid build-up in the ankles and abdomen, and darkening of

the skin and collection of fatty deposits in the skin around the eye. Jaundice,

is an indication of how far the disease has progressed.

Several other disorders often occur with PBC. The most common is problems with

the tear and salivary glands, causing dry eyes or mouth. Arthritis and thyroid

problems may also be present. Renal stones and gallstones may develop. Bone

softening and fragility leading to fractures can occur in late stages of the

disease.

What causes PBC?

The cause of this disease is unknown. It may be related to problems in the

immune system. Although PBC is technically not a hereditary disease, meaning a

disease caused by a specific gene or genetic defect that is passed from parent

to child, there appears to be some family link. PBC is more common among

siblings and in families where one member has been affected.

How is PBC diagnosed?

Because many PBC patients have no symptoms, the disease is often discovered

through abnormal results on routine liver blood tests. Doctors need to do

several tests to confirm a diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis. One test

looks for the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) in the blood. This

test is positive in nearly all PBC patients. Ultrasound exams and a liver

biopsy, in which a small sample of liver tissue is removed with a needle, may

also be performed.

How is PBC treated?

Patients most often take a daily dose of a drug called ursodiol. This is

urseodeoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring bile acid. This drug improves the

liver's ability to function in PBC patients. It also extends life expectancy and

may delay the need for a liver transplant. The recommended dose is 15 mg per

kilogram of body weight, and the medication must be taken every day for life, or

until a liver transplant. Patients rarely experience side effects from ursodiol.

Other drugs are effective at relieving the symptoms of PBC, including the

itching.

If I've been diagnosed with PBC, what questions should I ask my doctor about

PBC?

a.. " How severe is the liver damage? "

b.. " What treatment do you recommend? Will this slow down the progression of

the disease? "

c.. " Will any medication be prescribed? What are the side effects? "

d.. " Should I change my diet? "

e.. " Are there any supplements you would suggest that I take? "

f.. " What can be done to relieve my symptoms? "

g.. " If cirrhosis develops, is transplantation my only option? "

What lifestyle changes may be helpful for PBC patients?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help patients feel better and may relieve

or prevent some of the secondary symptoms of PBC. Your doctor may recommend:

a.. A reduced sodium diet

b.. Drinking ample water

c.. Taking calcium and Vitamin D supplements

d.. Avoiding or reducing the consumption of alcohol

e.. Reducing stress

f.. Exercising, particularly walking

g.. Skin Care

h.. Regular dental examinations

i.. Artificial tears for dry eyes

Who is at risk for PBC?

Women account for about 90 percent of PBC cases. It is most commonly diagnosed

in patients between the age of 35 and 60.

What is being done to find a cure for PBC?

PBC has been known for more than 100 years, but now doctors are able to diagnose

it very early. This means that treatment can begin before the liver is severely

damaged. Scientists are continuing to study the disease to find the cause and

understand its development.

In addition, investigators are exploring the use of several additional

medications to lessen the symptoms and control liver damage through drug therapy

trials, involving a large number of patients around the world.

____________________________________________________________

Click to become a master chef, own a restaurant and make millions.

http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/PnY6rx9Mm26O2PHbiK2kLiwy0tBxcZWPq\

HT3JGBimq35zmdI6geC9/

[Guest guest]

Joan,I don't write to much on this site,but I'm having some problems.

I've been having some bad headaches in one certain spot on my head.

I had a MRI of my head and the Dr( Medical) told me over the phone that it was

(small

vessel disease ) ,and that I need to watch my sugar and cholesterol.I told him

with

having PBC,Sjogren's Syndrome,Fibro,and TMD,that kind of hard to

do with my liver problems. I don't hardly ever eat pork,and I do eat alot of

fruit.I don't know if I need to see another Dr.Can you help.meAddieJean

Recent Activity

2New Members

Visit Your Group

Health

Memory Loss

Are you at risk

for Alzheimers?

Meditation and

Lovingkindness

A Group

to share and learn.

Ads on

Learn more now.

Reach customers

searching for you..