PCB disease, more accurately referred to as Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), is an autoimmune disease where the bile ducts in the liver are inflamed and slowly destroyed.
Understanding Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) was formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis. It is important to understand the core features of this disease:
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Autoimmune Nature: PBC occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the small bile ducts within the liver.
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Bile Duct Damage: This attack causes inflammation and progressive destruction of the bile ducts.
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Bile Accumulation: Bile, a fluid produced by the liver to aid in digestion and vitamin absorption, cannot flow properly when the bile ducts are damaged. This leads to a build-up of bile within the liver.
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Liver Damage: Over time, the build-up of bile causes inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and eventually cirrhosis (severe scarring) of the liver.
Key Features of PBC Summarized
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Disease | Autoimmune |
| Target | Small bile ducts within the liver |
| Mechanism | Immune system attacks bile ducts, causing inflammation and destruction. |
| Consequence | Bile build-up in the liver, leading to inflammation, scarring, and eventually cirrhosis. Impaired digestion and absorption of certain vitamins due to bile insufficiency. |
