PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS (PBC)

PBC is a progressive nonsuppurative destructive intrahepatic cholangitis. Strong female predominance, median age of 50 years. Presents as asymptomatic elevation in alkaline phosphatase (better prognosis) or with pruritus, progressive jaundice, consequences of impaired bile excretion, and ultimately cirrhosis and liver failure.

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.