Course Overview
Cholestatic liver disease causes liver damage and fibrosis owing to bile stasis. It is represented by primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The pathogenesis of the disease is still unclear, although autoimmune mechanisms have been postulated and partially elucidated. Although the disease may progress slowly with only mild liver dysfunction, it may advance to liver cirrhosis or liver failure. People living with PBC are frequently symptomatic, experiencing a quality-of-life burden dominated by fatigue, itch, abdominal pain, and sicca complex.
As a medical treatment, ursodeoxycholic acid is widely used for PBC and has proved to be very effective against disease progression in cases of PBC. But new treatments are now available or in late-stage development, offering options in addition to Urso.
The seminar will explore the general natural history of PBC and PSC and provide information on the latest drug therapies currently available as well as those under investigation. A special section will focus on the frequent complaint of itching and will focus on the management of Cholestatic Pruritus.
Learning Objectives
Explain how and why PBC patients are unaware of their disease status for so long.
Discuss the newest AASLD and EASL diagnostic guidelines and tests for PBC and PSC.
Address the clinical features that may present in the PBC and PSC patients.
Work with patients to better manage Cholestatic Pruritus and the current and future therapies to reduce itch.
Explore the current therapies for Primary Biliary Cholangitis – their effectiveness and potential risks.
Develop patient and staff education modules to recognize and then treat PBC in its earlier stages.