primary biliary cirrhosis. An uncommon form of liver disease where small bile ducts within the liver become inflamed and destroyed. Symptoms occur late in the disease and the diagnosis is often made because of abnormal blood tests. Backup of bile and bile byproducts into the intestine causes intense skin itching and yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Lack of bile decreases absorption of calcium and vitamin D leading to osteoporosis. Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) develops over time. PBC mostly affects women in middle age and is thought to be an autoimmune disease (disease where the bodyâ€(tm)s self defense system does not recognize the bodyâ€(tm)s tissues and attacks them). A drug, ursodeoxycholic acid, may delay transplant.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis. A condition of the liver in which the microscopic bile ducts are destroyed by the body's immune system. Eventually, patients will require liver transplantation.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis. a chronic disease that causes a progressive destruction of bile ducts in the liver