Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Treatment Explained
The primary and most effective treatment for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) is Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).
Evaluating Treatment Options for PBC
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the cornerstone therapy for PBC. It is a naturally occurring bile acid that helps to:
- Protect liver cells from damage by toxic bile acids.
- Improve bile flow (choleresis).
- Possess mild immunomodulatory effects.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that UDCA can improve liver function tests, histological features, and potentially slow disease progression in patients with PBC.
Other medications listed are generally not considered first-line treatments for PBC:
- Prednisolone: This is a corticosteroid primarily used for inflammatory conditions like autoimmune hepatitis, not typically for PBC.
- Interferon $\alpha$-2B: While it has some effects on the immune system and viruses, its efficacy in PBC is limited, and it often causes significant side effects.
- D-Penicillamine: This drug has shown limited benefit in PBC and carries risks of serious side effects, making it less favorable than UDCA.
Therefore, Ursodeoxycholic acid is the recommended and effective treatment among the given options for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.
Important Questions from Liver Diseases
Which of the following are precipitating factors for hepatic encephalopathy ?
1. Hypokalemia
2. Septicemia
3. Increased dietary protein load
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- Which one of the following statements is correct regarding Upper Gastro Intestinal Bleeding (UGIB)?
- Crigler-Najjar syndrome Type-I is inherited as an:
- Poorly absorbed antibiotics are often used as adjunctive therapies in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. These may include :
When the serum ascites to albumin gradient (SAAG) is less than 1.1 gm/dL, then which of the following causes of ascites may be considered?
1. Infection
2. Malignancy
3. Cardiac ascites
4. Portal hypertension
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
