Comprehensive Care for Liver and Bile Duct Health

What Are Primary Biliary Disorders?

Primary biliary disorders are chronic, progressive conditions that affect the bile ducts and liver. They occur when the bile ducts, responsible for carrying bile from the liver to the small intestine, become damaged or inflamed. Over time, this can lead to scarring (fibrosis) and liver damage.

At Central Gastro, we specialize in diagnosing and managing primary biliary disorders to slow disease progression, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Common Primary Biliary Disorders

1. Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC):

• An autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the small bile ducts within the liver.
• Leads to bile buildup, inflammation, and potential liver damage.

2. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC):

• A chronic condition causing inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, both inside and outside the liver.
• Associated with an increased risk of liver cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Symptoms of Primary Biliary Disorders

Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue.
• Itchy skin (pruritus).
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
• Abdominal discomfort, particularly in the upper right area.
• Dark urine or pale stools.
• Enlarged liver or spleen (in advanced stages).
• Bone or joint pain.

If left untreated, these conditions may progress to cirrhosis or liver failure.

Risk Factors for Primary Biliary Disorders

• Autoimmune Conditions: PBC is often associated with other autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Strongly linked to PSC.
• Genetics: Family history increases susceptibility.
• Environmental Triggers: Exposure to certain toxins or infections may play a role.

Diagnosis of Primary Biliary Disorders

At Central Gastro, we use advanced diagnostic tools to confirm and stage primary biliary disorders:

1. Blood Tests:

• Liver Function Tests (LFTs): To assess liver enzyme levels.
• Antimitochondrial Antibody (AMA): Highly specific for diagnosing PBC.
• Autoimmune Panel: To detect other associated autoimmune markers.

2. Imaging Studies:

• Ultrasound or MRI: To detect structural abnormalities in the bile ducts and liver.
• Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): Provides detailed images of bile ducts, useful for diagnosing PSC.

3. Liver Biopsy: (LINK)

• Used in selected cases to confirm the diagnosis or assess the extent of liver damage.

4. FibroScan®: (LINK)

• A non-invasive tool to measure liver stiffness and detect fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Treatment Options for Primary Biliary Disorders

Our treatment strategies aim to slow disease progression, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications:

1. Medications
2. Endoscopic and Interventional Procedures

• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): To treat bile duct blockages or strictures in PSC.
• Balloon Dilation or Stenting: To restore bile flow in narrowed bile ducts.

3. Lifestyle Modifications
4. Monitoring and Screening

• Regular imaging and blood tests to monitor disease progression.
• Screening for liver cancer in PSC patients with cirrhosis.

5. Advanced Care

• Liver Transplantation: In cases of advanced liver failure or severe complications.

When to Seek Treatment for Primary Biliary Disorders

If you experience persistent fatigue, jaundice, or itching, or if you have been diagnosed with a related autoimmune condition, contact us for a thorough evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow disease progression and prevent complications.