Primary biliary cirrhosis

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition

Primary biliary cirrhosis is a disease in which the bile ducts in your liver are slowly destroyed. Your body has an intricate system of ducts designed specifically to transport bile, a fluid produced in your liver. Bile is essential for the proper digestion of fats and helps rid your body of worn-out red blood cells, cholesterol and potentially toxic metals. In primary biliary cirrhosis, the destruction of your bile ducts can cause harmful substances to build up in your liver and sometimes lead to irreversible scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis).

The cause of primary biliary cirrhosis remains unclear. Many experts consider primary biliary cirrhosis an autoimmune disease in which the body turns against its own cells, although it's likely that genetic and environmental factors also play a part. Primary biliary cirrhosis develops slowly. Medication can slow the progression of the disease, especially if treatment begins early.

Symptoms