anatomy

Primary Biliary Cholangitis vs Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: PBC vs PSC

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are two chronic liver diseases that affect the bile ducts, which are responsible for carrying bile from the liver to the small intestine. While they have some similarities, they are distinct conditions with different causes and treatments. In this quick lesson, we will review the differences and similarities of primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PBC) vs (PSC).

Primary Biliary Cholangitis vs Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Similarities and Differences

Introduction: PBC vs PSC

PBC is a autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and damages the small bile ducts in the liver. This leads to scarring and inflammation of the ducts, which can eventually result in liver damage and cirrhosis. PBC is more common in women, and the risk increases with age. Symptoms of PBC may include fatigue, itching, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).

PSC, on the other hand, is a progressive disease that results from inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts. It can occur in both men and women, and is more common in people with inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. PSC can also cause jaundice and itching, as well as abdominal pain and weight loss.

CT_PSC.jpg at wikidoc.org

PBC vs PSC: Pathology and Treatment

One of the main differences between PBC and PSC is the cause of the bile duct damage. PBC is an autoimmune disorder, while PSC is caused by inflammation and scarring. This means that the treatments for these conditions may be different. PSC is characterized by damage of medium to large extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts, whereas PBC chiefly targets small intrahepatic bile ducts (Park et al. 2022).

PBC is often treated with medications that suppress the immune system, such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or immunosuppressants. These medications can help slow down the progression of the disease and may improve symptoms. In some cases, a liver transplant may be necessary if the liver has been severely damaged.

PSC, on the other hand, is more difficult to treat and there is no cure for the condition. Treatment may include medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications, such as antibiotics to prevent infections or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control abdominal pain. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

PBC vs PSC: Prognosis

Another difference between PBC and PSC is the prognosis. PBC is generally a slower progressing disease, and many people with PBC can live for many years with the condition. However, PSC is a more aggressive disease and can lead to liver failure and death in a shorter period of time.

There are also some notable differences in the prevalence and risk factors for these conditions. PBC is more common in women and tends to occur in people over the age of 40. PSC, on the other hand, can occur at any age and is more common in men. Risk factors for PSC include a history of inflammatory bowel disease and smoking.

In conclusion, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis are two chronic liver diseases that affect the bile ducts. While they have some similarities, they are distinct conditions with different causes and treatments. PBC is an autoimmune disorder that is treated with medications that suppress the immune system, while PSC is caused by inflammation and scarring and is more difficult to treat. PBC is generally a slower progressing disease, while PSC is more aggressive and can lead to liver failure and death in a shorter period of time.

Summary Table: PBC vs PSC

FeaturePBC (Primary Biliary Cirrhosis)PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis)
Risk factorsFemale gender, autoimmune disordersInflammatory bowel disease, history of appendectomy/inflammatory bowel disease
Patient PopulationFemale gender, over age 40Any age, more common in men; more likely to have a IBD history such as ulcerative colitis
SymptomsFatigue, itching, jaundice

Progressive jaundice, hepatomegaly, cirrhosis

Skin manifestations including xanthomas
Fatigue, itching, jaundice, abdominal pain
Laboratory FindingsAntimitochondrial antibody
High cholesterol levels
High Alk phosphatase and High aminotransferase
Beads on a string appearance on imaging (indicative of dilation and stricture of bile duct)

High aminotransferases (but typically <300)
DiagnosisBlood tests, liver biopsyBlood tests, liver biopsy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
TreatmentUrsodeoxycholic acid, immunosuppressantsNSAIDs, immunosuppressants, liver transplant
PrognosisProgressive liver damage, potential for cirrhosis and liver cancerProgressive liver damage, potential for cirrhosis and liver cancer

Check out these popular articles 🙂

Circulatory System: Blood Flow Pathway Through the Heart

Ectoderm vs Endoderm vs Mesoderm

Psychology 101 and the Brain: Stress – Definition, Symptoms, and Health Effects of the Fight-or-Flight Response

Circulatory System: Heart Structures and Functions

Ductus Arteriosus Vs Ductus Venosus Vs Foramen Ovale: Fetal Heart Circulation

Cardiac Arrhythmias: Definition, Types, Symptoms, and Prevention

Upper Vs Lower Respiratory System: Upper vs Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Seven General Functions of the Respiratory System

Digestive System Anatomy: Diagram, Organs, Structures, and Functions

Kidney Embryology & Development: Easy Lesson

Nervous System 101 Study Guide Notes: Anatomy, Cerebrum vs Cerebellum, Brain Stem, Subcortical Cortex, Cerebral Cortex

Autocrine vs Paracrine vs Endocrine: What are the Differences?

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Mule Symbol

Shoulder Abduction Muscles: Medical Anatomy and USMLE

Cell Membrane Dynamics: Flippase vs Floppase vs Scramblase

Cell Membrane Fluidity: Factors That Influence and Increase the Cell Membrane Fluidity

Psychology 101: Crowd Psychology and The Theory of Gustave Le Bon

Introduction to Evolution: Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace

An Overview of Shorthand: History and Types of Shorthand

Calculus: Two Important Theorems – The Squeeze Theorem and Intermediate Value Theorem

What is the Cori Cycle? Quick and Easy Explanation: MCAT and USMLE

Symbolism of Shoes in Dreams



 Copyright © 2023 Moosmosis Organization: All Rights Reserved

All rights reserved. This essay first published on moosmosis.org or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever
without the express written permission of the publisher at moosmosis.org.

 

Moosmosis Facebook Community

 

Please Like, Share, and Subscribe to our Email List at moosmosis.org, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube to support our open-access youth education initiatives! 🙂

4 replies »

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s