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Cholangitis Primary Sclerosing



Cholangitis Primary Sclerosing Definition


Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a kind of cholangitis caused by an autoimmune reaction. It is an inflammation of the liver's bile ducts and leads to cholestasis, or the blockage of the bile transport towards the gut. This progresses to the accumulation of bile fluids which creates severe damages to the liver as well as jaunice and liver failure. The exact causes of PSC are not yet known. It is oftentimes linked with ulcerative colitis. PSC however differs from ulcerative colitis as it continues to thrive in the body even after the colon has been surgically removed.


Cholangitis Primary Sclerosing Diagnosis


Primary sclerosing cholangitis can be diagnosed by imaging the bile duct under endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Another method of diagnosing PSC is by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), which is used to get an image of the biliary tract. Other diagnostic tests involve full blood count, liver enzymes, electrolytes and blirubin levels.


Cholangitis Primary Sclerosing Symptoms and Signs


Among the symptoms of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis are: Tiredness Jaundice Extreme itchiness Malabsorption of fat and other proteins Signs of cirrhosis Progressive cholangitis


Cholangitis Primary Sclerosing Treatment


Treatment for PSC includes the bile acid ursodiol, which is used to lower the increased liver enzyme leves. Other medications are antipruritics and bile acid sequestriants, vitamin supplements with Vitamins A, D, and K, as well as antibiotics. Liver transplant is also recommended when the liver has already been severely damaged. In other cases, ERCP may become necessary to unblock the dominant strictures of the bile ducts.


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