Current research on the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

ABSTRACT: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive disease of the liver characterized by inflammation and destruction of the intra- and/or extra-hepatic bile ducts, leading to fibrosis and ultimately liver failure, cirrhosis and an increased risk of malignancy. The etiology of PSC is unclear. It is often associated with the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), particularly Ulcerative Colitis (UC); up to 75% of PSC patients have UC. PSC is more prevalent in men than in women. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been extensively studied in PSC in randomized clinical trials but failed to show a positive impact on the natural course of the disease. Currently, there is no effective medical therapy for PSC, and the majority of patients will eventually require liver transplantation. PSC is one of th

SUBMITTER: Ali AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4322589 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature