Gastroenterology 8 - Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Question 1

explain PBC

Answer 1

primary biliary cirrhosis

caused by autoimmune attack of the small bile ducts within the liver

leads to backing up of bile salts, bile, cholesterol

thus see the signs of cholestasis + liver failure

Question 2

6 presenting features in PBC

Answer 2

fatigue 
itch
GI probs + abdo pain
jaudnice, pale greasy stools
xanthoma, xanthelasma
cirrhosis signs

Question 3

3 associations with PBC

Answer 3

middle aged women
other autoimmune disease
rheumatoid conditions

Question 4

4 tests involved with diagnosing PBC

Answer 4

ALP
autoantibodies
ESR/IgM
liver biopsy

Question 5

2 x autoantibodies involved in PBC

Answer 5

AMA antimitochondrial

ANA antinuclear less so

Question 6

4 aspects of treatment for PBC

Answer 6

ursodeoxycholic acid - reduces cholesterol absorption
colestyramine - binds bile acids and reduces itch
immunosuppression
liver transplant

Question 7

describe the progression of PBC

Answer 7

some none, others v bad

can include:

• renal tubular acidosis
• hypothyroid
• osteoporosis
• HCC