🧬 What is Biliary Cirrhosis?
👨⚕️ Explained by Dr. Chetan Kalal | DM Hepatology | Best Liver & Transplant Specialist India
📍 Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai | 🌍 Virtual Consultations Available (India, UAE, UK, USA, Canada, Singapore)
🔍 Quick Overview:
Biliary cirrhosis refers to a type of chronic liver disease where the bile ducts inside or outside the liver become damaged, leading to a backup of bile. Over time, this damages liver tissue and causes scarring (cirrhosis).
There are two major types:
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)
Secondary Biliary Cirrhosis (due to obstruction like stones, strictures, or tumors)
🧠 What is Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)?
An autoimmune disease where your own immune system attacks the small bile ducts in the liver.
More common in middle-aged women, but can occur in men too.
Progresses slowly over years, often without symptoms early on.
🛑 Symptoms of Biliary Cirrhosis:
Fatigue
Itching (pruritus) – especially at night
Dry eyes & dry mouth
Right upper abdominal discomfort
Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice) – in later stages
Dark urine, pale stools
Swelling of feet/abdomen – in advanced cirrhosis
🔬 How is it Diagnosed?
Liver function tests (especially ALP & GGT)
Anti-Mitochondrial Antibodies (AMA) — positive in PBC
Liver ultrasound or elastography (FibroScan)
Sometimes, a liver biopsy
MRCP in case of secondary biliary causes
✅ Treatment Options:
For PBC (Primary Biliary Cholangitis):
Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) – first-line therapy to slow disease
Obeticholic Acid – second-line for non-responders
Antihistamines or bile acid binders for itching
Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) supplementation
Regular monitoring for cirrhosis, varices, osteoporosis
For Secondary Biliary Cirrhosis:
Fix the underlying cause (stone removal, stent for stricture, treat infections)
Endoscopy (ERCP), surgery, or even liver transplant if damage is severe
🩺 Dr. Chetan Kalal’s Expert Note:
“Biliary cirrhosis may be silent at first, but if caught early, its progression can be slowed significantly. That’s why screening, lifestyle changes, and personalized therapy matter.”
🌍 Virtual Liver Consultation Now Available
Wherever you are — India, UK, UAE, USA, Canada, Singapore — get expert help from Dr. Chetan Kalal, India’s first DM Hepatologist.
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