Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Question 1

what is PBC

Answer 1

autoimmune disease where T cells attack the lining of the bile duct
bile leaks out and causes inflammation which can progress to cirrhosis

Question 2

what is PBC associated with

Answer 2

autoimmune hepatitis
sjogrens syndrome

Question 3

which immunoglobulin can be raised in PBC

Answer 3

IgM

Question 4

which antibody can be raised in PBC

Answer 4

AMA (anti mitochondrial antibody)

Question 5

how can PBC present

Answer 5

symptoms similar to cholestasis and obstructive jaundice

xanthomas (cholesterol can escape damage bile ducts)
joint pain and arthopathy

Question 6

management of primary PBC

Answer 6

ursodeoxycholic acid (decreases cholesterol absorption
cholestyramine (binds cholesterol to increase excretion)

liver transplant is the only real curative treatment

Question 7

what is secondary PBC

Answer 7

damage to the bile duct cells but without autoimmune attack
wont be AMA positive