Primary biliary cholangitis: assessment and management strategies

Abstract

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease resulting in permanent damage to the bile ducts in the liver, often leading to symptoms including fatigue and itch that significantly impair patient quality of life. PBC is often diagnosed in its early stages and can generally be treated effectively with first-line treatment. Patients who do not respond to this should be referred to the hub centre of their local operational delivery network for assessment and prescription of second-line treatment. These patient treatment pathways are based on national guidance. This supplement summarises the key components of the guidance on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients with PBC.