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What is
PBC?

PBC is a leading cause of liver transplant for women.

Ally, Living with PBC

PBC is a rare autoimmune liver disease.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare liver disease that is caused by an autoimmune reaction. The autoimmune reaction damages bile ductsA tube-like structure in the liver that transports bile to the small intestine to help with digestion. in the liver. Bile ductsA tube-like structure in the liver that transports bile to the small intestine to help with digestion. are tube-like structures that carry bile from the liver to the intestine to help with the digestion of food.

When bile is not able to move through the bile ductsA tube-like structure in the liver that transports bile to the small intestine to help with digestion., it collects in the liver and causes damage. PBC is progressive, which means that the damage gets worse over time. Starting with inflammation, the damage can cause fibrosisExcess connective tissue in an organ that can lead to damage., and then cirrhosisSevere scarring of the liver.. In some cases, cirrhosisSevere scarring of the liver. can lead to liver failure.

The rate of damage caused by PBC varies in different people. If left untreated, PBC can get significantly worse in 2 years, making it important to get an early diagnosis to start treatment as quickly as possible.

Once someone is diagnosed with PBC, it is important to talk to a doctor about getting regular liver function tests to track the progression of the disease.

Who is at risk of developing PBC?

It is estimated that 90% of people who are diagnosed with PBC are women. Many people who are diagnosed with PBC are between 40-60 years of age. It is important to note, however, that men and young women can also develop PBC.

meet ally with PBC

MEET ALLY

This mother, teacher and motorcycle enthusiast is living with PBC.

What are the symptoms of PBC?

The most common symptoms of PBC are pruritus, or itching, and fatigue. Some people with PBC can also experience dry eyes and mouth. For people with more advanced PBC, serious liver damage can cause jaundiceThe yellow appearance of the skin and eyes that can be caused by liver failure., or a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Many people do not experience any symptoms at the beginning of their PBC. The only sign that they have PBC is that abnormalities appear in their liver function test results.

How is PBC diagnosed?

Doctors can test for PBC by taking blood samples and measuring certain chemicals related to liver function. The tests will show if there are elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP)One of several chemicals in the body that can be used to diagnose primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and track the progression of the disease. and if antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs)A chemical in the body that can be used to diagnose PBC. are present, which can be indicators of PBC.