What does PBC mean in UNCLASSIFIED
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease that affects the bile ducts. Bile ducts are small tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. In PBC, the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the bile ducts, leading to inflammation and scarring. This damage can block the flow of bile, causing a buildup of bile in the liver. Over time, this can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
PBC meaning in Unclassified in Miscellaneous
PBC mostly used in an acronym Unclassified in Category Miscellaneous that means Primary Billiary Cholangitis
Shorthand: PBC,
Full Form: Primary Billiary Cholangitis
For more information of "Primary Billiary Cholangitis", see the section below.
Meaning of PBC
PBC stands for Primary Biliary Cholangitis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of PBC can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild and nonspecific, such as:
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Joint pain
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
As the disease progresses, the symptoms can become more severe and may include:
- Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen)
- Edema (swelling in the legs and ankles)
- Portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the veins that carry blood from the intestines to the liver)
- Liver failure
Causes
The exact cause of PBC is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. This means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. In PBC, the immune system attacks the bile ducts, causing inflammation and scarring. There is a genetic component to PBC, as it tends to run in families.
Diagnosis
PBC is diagnosed based on a combination of blood tests, imaging tests, and a liver biopsy. Blood tests can show elevated levels of liver enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), can show abnormalities in the bile ducts. A liver biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of PBC by showing inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts.
Treatment
There is no cure for PBC, but treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms. Treatment options include:
- Medications to suppress the immune system, such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and obeticholic acid (OCA)
- Medications to relieve itching
- Medications to prevent and treat complications, such as liver failure and portal hypertension
- Liver transplant in severe cases
Final Words: PBC is a chronic autoimmune liver disease that can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver failure. The exact cause of PBC is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. There is no cure for PBC, but treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms.
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