Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Alternate Names : PBC
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Treatment
Therapy is aimed at symptomatic treatment and prevention of complications.
Cholestyramine (or colestipol) may reduce the itching by reducing blood levels of bile acids and increasing clearance of bile acids in the skin. Ursodeoxycholic acid (or actigall) may also improve clearance of bile from the bloodstream.
Vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin D replacement therapy adds fat-soluble vitamins lost with fatty stools. A calcium supplement is indicated to prevent osteomalacia.
Periodic evaluation and drainage with ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) or PTC (percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography) may be necessary.
Treatment for episodes of cholangitis may be necessary.
Liver transplant for primary biliary cirrhosis prior to liver failure has been successful.
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