Biliary Cirrhosis - Treatment

Treatment of Biliary Cirrhosis

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and liver transplantation constitutes the main treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis.

Treatment of biliary cirrhosis includes:

• Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is used for the treatment of PCA. UDCA appears to improve survival and slow the liver damage, thus delaying the requirement for liver transplantation.
• Corticosteroids are effective in PCA, however, their harmful effects may outweigh their benefits, and hence they are not used in the treatment of PCA.
• Cholestyramine, rifampicin, naloxone and plasmapheresis (procedure used to purify the blood) are useful to treat itching.
• Calcium and vitamin D supplementation may help to reduce osteoporosis or bone thinning.
• Liver transplantation is necessary in cases of severe liver damage.