Biliary cirrhosis is a chronic disease in which the bile ducts present within the liver are gradually destroyed, preventing the exit of bile and causing it to accumulate inside the liver, causing inflammation and injury.
There are two main types of biliary cirrhosis:
- Primary biliary cirrhosis: mainly affects medium-sized bile ducts within the liver and is characterized by the destruction, scarring and eventual development of cirrhosis and liver failure; Secondary biliary cirrhosis: it is characterized by a prolonged obstruction of the biliary tree, resulting in rapid and profound changes in the liver. The most common cause in adults is gallstones or tumors.
Usually, biliary cirrhosis appears in people with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma or Sjögren's Syndrome and, therefore, it is also seen as an autoimmune disease, in which the body attacks the own bile duct cells.
There is still no cure for biliary cirrhosis, however, as the disease can cause severe liver damage, there are some treatments that seem to slow its development and alleviate symptoms.
Most common symptoms
In most cases, biliary cirrhosis is identified before any symptoms appear, especially through blood tests that are done for another reason or as a routine. However, the first symptoms can include constant tiredness, itchy skin and even dry eyes or mouth.
When the disease is at a more advanced stage, the symptoms can be:
- Pain in the upper right abdomen; Joint pain; Swollen feet and ankles; Very swollen belly; Yellow skin and eyes; Diarrhea with very fatty stools; Weight loss for no apparent reason.
These symptoms can also be indicative of other liver problems and, therefore, it is advisable to consult a hepatologist to do blood tests and other imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, to identify the correct diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment.
Check out 11 symptoms that may indicate liver problems.
Causes of biliary cirrhosis
The cause of biliary cirrhosis is unknown, but it is often associated with people with autoimmune diseases and, therefore, it is possible that the body itself starts an inflammation process that destroys the cells of the bile ducts. This inflammation can then pass to the other liver cells and lead to damage and scarring that compromise the organ's proper functioning.
How the treatment is done
There is no cure for biliary cirrhosis, however, some medications can be used to delay the development of the disease and relieve symptoms, which include:
- Ursodiol: is one of the first drugs used in these cases, as it helps bile to pass through the channels and leave the liver, reducing inflammation and preventing liver damage; Obeticolic acid: this remedy can also be known as Ocaliva and helps in the functioning of the liver, decreasing symptoms and disease progression; Fenofibrates: this medication helps to reduce inflammation of the liver and reduce symptoms such as generalized itching on the skin.
In the most severe cases, when the use of drugs does not seem to delay the development of the disease or when the symptoms remain very intense, the hepatologist can advise a liver transplant, in order to prolong the person's life.
Usually, transplantation cases are successful and the disease disappears completely, restoring the person's quality of life, but it may be necessary to be on a waiting list for a compatible liver. Understand more about how the liver transplant is done.
In addition to all this, it is common for people with biliary cirrhosis to have difficulty absorbing fats and vitamins. In this way, the doctor can advise follow-up with a nutritionist to start supplementing vitamins, especially vitamins A, D and K.
