Update on Emerging Treatment Options for Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Treatment of Primary Biliary Cholangitis including Transplantation

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the first-line treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Long-term UDCA use significantly reduces progression to cirrhosis. UDCA improves liver enzymes and transplant-free survival rates. Despite the association between PBC and hyperlipidemia, treatment is indicated under specific circumstances with statins and fibrates being safe options. Osteoporosis, which is frequently seen, is usually managed based on data from postmenopausal women. Sicca syndrome is treated similarly to its standalone condition with the use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose eye drops and anticholinergic drugs.

Secondary sclerosing cholangitis after COVID-19 pneumonia: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Secondary sclerosing cholangitis in critically ill patients (SC-CIP) is a rare disease characterized by chronic cholestasis. The underlying pathophysiology of SC-CIP is not fully understood, and prognosis in severe cases remains poor with liver transplantation remaining the only curative treatment option. There is a growing amount of literature describing patients with chronic cholangiopathy after COVID-19 infection. The vast majority of the patients described in these reports were male and had a poor outcome. While the exact percentage of patients with COVID-19-related SC-CIP cannot be estimated accurately due to a lack of larger studies, an increase in patients with long-term complications of chronic cholestatic liver disease after severe COVID19-pneumonia can be expected in the upcoming years. Treatment options remain limited and further research is needed to improve the dismal prognosis of SC-CIP. Here, we present the cases of two patients who developed SC-CIP after prolonged intensive care unit stay due to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Both patients required invasive ventilation for 31 and 141 days, respectively, as well as extra-corporal membrane oxygenation for 23 and 87 days. The patients suffered from jaundice and severe pruritus, and typical features of SC-CIP were present by MRCP and ERC. Repeated removal of biliary casts resulted in some alleviation of their clinical symptoms, but cholestasis parameters remain elevated. Furthermore, an increased liver stiffness was indicative of advanced fibrosis in both patients. In addition to these two case reports, we provide a concise review of the literature of SC-CIP after COVID-19 infection and discuss risk factors, treatment options and prognosis.

Pretransplant Evaluation and Liver Transplantation Outcome in PBC Patients

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive cholangiocyte and bile duct destruction leading to fibrosis and finally to liver cirrhosis. The presence of disease-specific serological antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) together with elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as a biomarker of cholestasis is sufficient for diagnosis. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the first treatment option for PBC. Up to 40% of patients have an incomplete response to therapy, and over time disease progresses to liver cirrhosis. Several risk scores are proposed for better evaluation of patients before and during treatment to stratify patients at increased risk of disease progression. GLOBE score and UK PBC risk score are used for the evaluation of UDCA treatment and Mayo risk score for transplant-free survival. Liver transplantation (LT) is the only treatment option for end-stage liver disease. More than 10 years after LT, 40% of patients experience recurrence of the disease. A liver biopsy is required to establish rPBC (recurrent primary biliary cholangitis). The only treatment option for rPBC is UDCA, and data show biochemical and clinical improvement, plus potential beneficial effects for use after transplantation for the prevention of rPBC development. Additional studies are required to assess the full impact of rPBC on graft and recipient survival and for treatment options for rPBC.

Understanding fatigue in primary biliary cholangitis: From pathophysiology to treatment perspectives

Fatigue is considered one of the most frequent and debilitating symptoms in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), affecting over 50% of PBC patients. One in five patients with PBC suffer from severe fatigue, which significantly impairs quality of life. Fatigue is made up of a central and a peripheral component, whose pathophysiology is still greatly unresolved. Central fatigue is characterised by a lack of self-motivation and can manifest both in physical and mental activities (lack of intention). Peripheral fatigue includes neuromuscular dysfunction and muscle weakness (lack of ability). Peripheral fatigue could be explained by an excessive deviation from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism leading to excessive lactic acid accumulation and therefore accelerated decline in muscle function and prolonged recovery time. As opposed to itching, and with the exception of end-stage liver disease, fatigue is not related to disease progression. The objective of this review is to outline current understanding regarding the pathophysiology of fatigue, the role of comorbidities and contributing factors, the main tools for fatigue assessment, the failed therapeutic options, and future treatment perspectives for this disabling symptom. Since fatigue is an extremely common and debilitating symptom and there is still no licensed therapy for fatigue in PBC patients, further research is warranted to understand its causative mechanisms and to find an effective treatment.

Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Current Insights and Impact on Quality of Life

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is a chronic cholestatic immune-mediated liver disease characterized by injury to intrahepatic bile ducts that may ultimately progress to cirrhosis and liver failure and result in the need for liver transplant or death without treatment. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and obeticholic acid (OCA) are approved therapies for PBC and are associated with a reduced risk of progression of disease, although patients may continue to experience significant symptoms of pruritus and fatigue independent of liver disease. The two most commonly reported symptoms among patients with PBC are fatigue and pruritus which may be debilitating, and negatively impact physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Intense symptom burden has been associated with depressive symptoms, cognitive defects, poor sleep schedules, and social isolation. This literature review explores the presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in chronic liver disease, the impact of symptom burden on patients' wellbeing, and available pharmaceutical and natural therapies.