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PRIMARY SCLEROSING CHOLANGITIS
What is primary sclerosing
cholangitis?
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a
liver disease
in which the bile ducts (small tubes through which bile flows from the
liver to the gall bladder and intestines) progressively decrease in
size
due to inflammation and scarring. As a result, bile that is normally
carried
out of the liver accumulates within the liver, which then damages liver
cells.
How common is primary sclerosing
cholangitis?
Although primary sclerosing cholangitis
has been
considered a rare disease, recent studies suggest that it is more
common
than originally thought. The disease may occur alone, but frequently
exists
in association with inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as chronic
ulcerative colitis. Primary sclerosing cholangitis affects both sexes,
but is more common in men.
What causes primary sclerosing
cholangitis?
At the present time, the exact cause is
unknown.
However, there is currently no evidence that the disease is inherited,
although some people may be more at risk because of inheriting a
certain
blood type. Viruses known to cause hepatitis have not been associated
with
primary sclerosing cholangitis. In many cases, this disease occurs in
association
with inflammatory bowel disease. This suggests that a common cause for
both diseases may exist.
What are the symptoms of primary
sclerosing cholangitis?
The course of primary sclerosing
cholangitis is
unpredictable and not well understood. A person can have the disease
for
many years before symptoms develop. They may include:
*itching *fatigue *jaundice
(yellowing
of the skin and eyes) *episodes of fever and chills If a person
who
suffers from primary sclerosing cholangitis develops fever and chills,
he/she should go to the hospital immediately.
How is primary sclerosing cholangitis
diagnosed?
Since individuals may have no symptoms
whatsoever
for many years, the disease is often diagnosed because of abnormal
liver
blood tests.
How is primary sclerosing cholangitis
treated?
Presently, there is no known specific
treatment
for primary sclerosing cholangitis. However, symptoms of this disease
can
be treated with varying success by antibiotics, vitamins and
medications
to control itching, improve bile flow, etc. Sometimes, insertion of a
stent
with a procedure known as endoscopy may be effective in alleviating
jaundice
and other symptoms. When the disease has progressed to liver failure,
liver
transplantation may be considered. Liver transplantation is successful
in 80 to 90 per cent of adult patients.
Disclamer: Medical information provided on this website is not intended
as a substitute for
advice from a registered physician
or other healthcare professional; and is for your information only
and MUST NOT BE USED as Medical Advice. Always check with your own doctor.
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