Causes, Risk Factors, And Complications Of Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis is considered an autoimmune condition in which the bile ducts in the liver are destroyed. The liver supplies the small intestines with bile through these ducts to aid in the breakdown of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. With damaged ducts, the bile collects in the liver causing the development of scar tissue. Symptoms include abdominal swelling, skin darkening, jaundice, edema, and bleeding in the stomach. Pain in the abdomen, bones, joints, and muscles is common. This disease progresses slowly, and there is no cure. This condition can lead to cholestasis and end-stage liver disease. Treatments can assist in slowing down the progression of primary biliary cholangitis, but ultimately a patient will require a liver transplant.