Biliary Cirrhosis
Biliary cirrhosis is an older term for advanced liver scarring caused by prolonged bile-duct damage; primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a common underlying disease.
Key takeaways
- PBC is usually identified through a cholestatic liver-test pattern and antimitochondrial antibodies, after excluding bile-duct blockage.
- Ursodeoxycholic acid can improve liver tests and outcomes in PBC, but response must be measured over time.
- Itch, bone health, fat-soluble vitamins and complications of cirrhosis need management alongside the liver disease itself.
The listings below do not establish PBC or stage liver disease; hepatology assessment should guide treatment and surveillance.
Confirming disease and stage
Blood tests, autoimmune markers and ultrasound help distinguish PBC from obstruction and other liver conditions. Elastography, platelet count and imaging can estimate fibrosis and portal-hypertension risk. Biopsy is reserved for uncertain or overlapping diagnoses.
Treatment and monitoring
Ursodeoxycholic acid is standard first-line treatment for PBC. Biochemical response helps determine whether additional therapy should be considered. Monitoring also addresses osteoporosis, severe itch, varices, liver cancer risk in cirrhosis and whether transplant assessment is needed.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black stools, new confusion or extreme drowsiness, rapidly increasing abdominal swelling, fever with jaundice, fainting or severe right-upper abdominal pain.