Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) is considered to be an autoimmune disease, I mean a condition where the body's own immune cells (the lymphocytes) start destroying the body's own normal cells.  In PBC the smallest bile ducts become damaged, narrowed and evenually blocked preventing the normal flow of bile out of the liver.  PBC is very common in Norway - Sweden - Scotland and more commoner in North of England than anywhere else in the world. (North East England is where I come from).   I was diagnosed in 1988 with Granulomatous Hepatitis and PBC was confimed in 1990.

PBC is a progressive, chronic liver disease which causes destruction of the bile ducts inside the liver. There are four stages of the disease, and end stage of PBC may lead to liver transplantion at some time in the future. From the time of diagnoses it can be many years before a person needs a transplant. 

As PBC differs from one person to another, doctors cannot predict who will progress to end stage PBC, as some patients progress to transplant stage quicker than others. It may also depends on what stage you are when first diagnosed. PBC occurs mainly in women, (9 out of 10 are women).  Some will never need a transplant as medication is available to slow the progression of the disease.

There is no known cause or cure;   It is NOT alcohol or drug related,  Itching and fatigue are the main symptoms of PBC, which can also be the symptoms of menopause and if symptoms persists, see your doctor.