Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)

Providing Specialized Care for Primary Biliary Cholangitis

University of Chicago Medicine physicians collaborate closely to form a multidisciplinary team that is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating primary biliary cholangitis. Your treatment plan will be developed by specialists and designed to fit your specific needs.

What is Primary Biliary Cholangitis?

If you have primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), it means the bile ducts in your liver – a series of tubes that transport bile through your liver, small intestine and gallbladder – are damaged. Bile is an important digestive juice needed to break down fats and absorb certain vitamins. In PBC, the destroyed ducts cause a build up of bile in your liver over time. If left untreated, this can lead to permanent scarring of the liver called cirrhosis. Most patients do not have symptoms with PBC when they’re diagnosed, although some may experience itchiness, fatigue and dryness of the mouth and eyes. Eventually, some patients may also experience belly pain and yellowing of the skin, among other symptoms. Unlike primary sclerosing cholangitis, patients with PBC are not at increased risk for bile duct cancers.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis Treatment

Currently, there is no known treatment to cure primary biliary cholangitis. However, certain medications can help slow its progression, and your healthcare provider can treat you for the symptoms and complications associated with the disease. On rare occasions, people who develop serious complications from PBC may need a liver transplant.

Frequently Asked Questions about Primary Biliary Cholangitis

What are the symptoms of primary biliary cholangitis?

Symptoms of PBC can develop slowly, and many patients have no symptoms at first. The initial symptoms of PBC are:

Itchy skin
Fatigue
Belly pain
Dry mouth and eyes

As the disease progresses, complications of cirrhosis and portal hypertension (high pressure within the blood vessels that drain into the liver) may develop. In addition, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), fat soluble vitamin deficiency (vitamin A, D, E, K) and fat deposit-forming nodules on the eyelids (xanthelasma) or at the joints and buttocks (xanthoma) are common complications of PBC.

What causes primary biliary cholangitis?

It’s believed that an overactive immune system causes primary biliary cholangitis, but what triggers this over-activity still isn’t clearly known. A genetic predisposition for PBC likely exists, and exposure to certain bacteria, viruses or toxins is believed to somehow trigger the immune system, which reacts in an inappropriate way and causes injury to the bile ducts. PBC affects mostly women.

How is primary biliary cholangitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a complete health history and physical exam. In order to accurately diagnose primary biliary cholangitis, your doctor may use the following methods:

Blood tests to see whether you have abnormal liver enzymes (an increase in these enzymes is due to damaged bile ducts). Your doctor will also test you for anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs), which are almost always present in patients with PBC – so the diagnosis can usually be made based on blood tests alone
Elastography
- Transient Elastography (Fibroscan®) is a special ultrasound that measures the amount of fat in the liver and the stiffness of the liver, which are indirect measures of the amount of scarring present.
- MR Elastography is a special way of obtaining an MRI that also measures the amount of fat in, and stiffness of, the liver.
Liver biopsy. A small sample of liver tissue is taken and checked under a microscope. It can confirm the diagnosis of PBC and provide information on the presence and severity of scar tissue. It also allows your doctor to examine your liver for other diseases.

What treatments are available for primary biliary cholangitis?

Although primary biliary cholangitis can’t be cured, its progression can be slowed with ursodeoxycholic acid (UCDA) and obeticholic acid, medications that can help improve the bile flow in your liver. Your health care provider can also treat your PBC symptoms; cholestyramine, colestipol hydrochloride, antihistamines, rifampin and naltrexone are all medicines that may be used to treat the itching caused by PBC.

Vitamin supplements can correct deficiencies in fat soluble vitamins that you may have. Osteoporosis is common in patients with primary biliary cholangitis, and your bone density will need to be monitored by your doctor. Cholesterol problems also tend to develop in patients with advanced stages of the disease; you may need treatment to avoid additional complications such as heart disease or stroke.

What surgical options exist for treating primary biliary cholangitis?

Dr. Fung and Dr. Charlton, co-directors of the transplant institute

World-Renowned Liver Disease Specialists

With access to leading therapies and state-of-the-art technologies, our liver disease specialists work together to provide personalized care for each patient.

Find a Liver Disease Specialist

USNEWS Gastroenterology &GI Surgery Badge 2024-2025

Nationally Ranked in Gastroenterology and GI Surgery

According to U.S. News & World Report's 2024-25 Rankings.

Learn more about U.S. News Best Hospitals

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-888-824-0200 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

* Indicates required field