Background Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC), also known as an autoimmune liver disease, damages the bile ducts within the liver. In the body the ducts play an important part in digestion because they carry fluid away from the liver. Over time the pressure builds up from the fluid causes the cirrhosis of the liver. The destruction of the bile ducts can have early symptoms such as fatigue, itchy skin, and jaundice.
Prevalence/Incidence
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis is mostly found in women between 45 and 65. Although this disorder is more prevalent in women, men are now being diagnosed. The women to men ratio of getting this disease is 10:1 (Kalt, 2016). PBC is affecting an estimated 1 in every 1,000 women over the age of …show more content…
PBC leads to inflammation and scarring of the small bile duct. According to Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2018), “Bile is a fluid made in your liver. It aids with digestion and helps your body get rid of cholesterol, toxins and worn-out red blood cells (para. 1). Overtime from development of inflammation the ducts will eventually collapse. When the ducts collapse it causes major irreversible scarring of liver cells and liver damage that will progress to cirrhosis of the liver. PBC has four stages, and it is based on how much damage over time. Stage one is the start of inflammation and some damage to the walls of the bile ducts. Stage two is the stage where blockage starts to form in the smaller bile ducts. Stage three is the beginning of scarring and patients will see more signs and symptoms. By stage four cirrhosis has developed, which is permanent from the very severe scarring and damage. PBC is also an autoimmune disease, which means the clients body is attacking the good healthy cells and tissue. After all of damage is done from PBC the liver will not regenerate, even though the liver is the only organ in the body to grow
Prevalence/Incidence
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis is mostly found in women between 45 and 65. Although this disorder is more prevalent in women, men are now being diagnosed. The women to men ratio of getting this disease is 10:1 (Kalt, 2016). PBC is affecting an estimated 1 in every 1,000 women over the age of …show more content…
PBC leads to inflammation and scarring of the small bile duct. According to Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2018), “Bile is a fluid made in your liver. It aids with digestion and helps your body get rid of cholesterol, toxins and worn-out red blood cells (para. 1). Overtime from development of inflammation the ducts will eventually collapse. When the ducts collapse it causes major irreversible scarring of liver cells and liver damage that will progress to cirrhosis of the liver. PBC has four stages, and it is based on how much damage over time. Stage one is the start of inflammation and some damage to the walls of the bile ducts. Stage two is the stage where blockage starts to form in the smaller bile ducts. Stage three is the beginning of scarring and patients will see more signs and symptoms. By stage four cirrhosis has developed, which is permanent from the very severe scarring and damage. PBC is also an autoimmune disease, which means the clients body is attacking the good healthy cells and tissue. After all of damage is done from PBC the liver will not regenerate, even though the liver is the only organ in the body to grow