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.

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.

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

• Bleeding
• Damage to the brain (encephalopathy)
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
• Kidney failure
• Malabsorption
• Malnutrition
• Soft bones (osteodystrophy)

Call your health care provider if you have:

• Abdominal swelling
• Blood in the stools
• Confusion
• Jaundice
• Itching of the skin that does not go away and is not related to other causes
• Vomiting blood