Primary Biliary Cirrhosis - Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

Individuals with PBC may present with the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Pruritus (itchy skin)
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), due to increased bilirubin in the blood.
  • Xanthoma (local collections of cholesterol in the skin, especially around the eyes (xanthelasma))
  • Complications of cirrhosis and portal hypertension:
    • Fluid retention in the abdomen (ascites)
    • Hypersplenism
    • Esophageal varices
    • Hepatic encephalopathy, including coma in extreme cases.
  • Association with an extrahepatic autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome (in up to 80% of cases).

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