Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Flashcards
1
Q
What is it?
A
Where immune system attacks small bile ducts in the liver causing cholestasis
2
Q
Xanthoma?
A
Large nodular deposits of cholesterol on the tendons
3
Q
Xanthelasam?
A
Large cholesterol deposits in the skin
4
Q
Presentation?
A
Fatigue Pruritis GI disturbance Abdo pain Jaundice Xanthoma Xanthelesma Signs of cirrhosis and failure
5
Q
Diagnosis?
A
LFT- ALP raised first (others raised later)
Autoantibodies: Anti-mitochondrial ABs are specific to PBC, anti-nuclear ABs sometimes present
Blood: raised ESR, IgM
Liver biopsy
6
Q
Treatment?
A
Ursodeoxycholic acid reduced intestinal absorption of cholesterol
Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrate
Immunosuppression with steroids considered
7
Q
Results of the disease?
A
Advanced liver cirrhosis
Portal hypertension
