What is Primary biliary cirrhosis?
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a liver disorder characterised by long-term progressive inflammation and destruction of the small bile ducts of the liver. This causes derangement of the normal architecture of the liver with scarring, impaired liver function and ultimately damage to the blood vessels of the liver. With time the whole liver is affected and the changes are irreversible.
The cause of primary biliary cirrhosis is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a disordered immune response in certain individuals (auto-immune disease). Some of the white cells in the blood, part of the body’s own immune system, damage and inflame the lining of the small bile ducts. There may be a genetic predisposition to the condition making some people more susceptible. Primary biliary cirrhosis is not caused by or related to excessive consumption of alcohol.
If evidence shows that the customer has liver failure, which may have resulted from primary biliary cirrhosis then go to Liver Failure guidance.
For further information about cirrhosis go to Cirrhosis guidance.
