Primary biliary cirrhosis
The exact cause of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is unknown, although it is widely thought tobe theresult of a problem with the immune system.
Most experts believe that PBC is an autoimmune condition. This means that something goes wrong with the immune system (the body's natural defence against infection and illness) and it attacks healthy tissue instead of fighting off infection.
In cases of PBC, the immune system sends specialised cells that usually killbacteria and viruses to the bile ducts.
These cellsdamage the surface of the bile ducts, which gradually become scarred and disrupt the flow of bile out of the liver. This increases the amount of bile in the liver, which over time can cause it to also become extensively damaged and scarred ( Cirrhosis ).
This damage can graduallycause the liver to lose its function. As the liver plays a vital role in filtering out impurities and toxins from your blood, loss of liver function is potentially fatal.
It is not known what causes the immune system to malfunction and attack the bile ducts.
People with PBC are often more likely to also have another autoimmune condition.For example, they may also have:
Although the reason why some people develop PBC is not clear, it's thoughtthatyour genesmay make you more susceptibleto developingthe condition and that it is triggered by something else.
There is some evidence to suggest that certain things can increase your chances of developing PBC. These are explained below.
PBC occurs mostly in women. Less thanone in 10 cases of PBC occur in men.
One theory for thisis that the immune systemmay be affectedby the female sex hormone, oestrogen.
Having a close relative with PBC meansyou are more likely to develop the condition yourself.
For example, if you are female and your mother has or has had PBC, you are much more likely to develop PBC than someone who has no relatives with the condition. However, the risk is still low.
Certain things may trigger PBC in people with a genetic tendency. These include:
However, none of these have been proven as definite triggers of PBC. Most people who are exposed to them will not develop the condition.There is nothing to suggest that you should reduce your exposure to these triggers to lower your risk of developing PBC.
Primary biliary cirrhosis (primary biliary cholangitis) is a long-term liver disease in which the bile ducts in the liver become damaged.
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) often doesn't cause any symptoms in the early stages.
The exact cause of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is unknown, although it is widely thought to be the result of a problem with the immune system.
In many cases, a suspected diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is made after having a blood test for another, unrelated condition.
The aim of treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is to prevent liver damage as much as possible and reduce your symptoms.
If primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is not treated or reaches an advanced stage, it can cause other potentially serious problems.