Primary biliary cirrhosis:best treatment options?

prognostic indicators

well the treatment is aimed at the cause of the cirrhosis in an attempt to prevent further liver damage. Adequate rest and diet are essential, as is restriction of alcohol. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be prescribed,,,,the prognosis is poor in advanced cirrhosis, especially for alcoholic cirrhosis should the person continue drinking. Hematemesis jaundice and ascites are unfavorable signs. Elevated blood pressure in the portal vein, called portal hypertentions, is a common complication of cirrhosis. As a consequence, blood pressure increases within the spleen, causing enlargement of the spleen or splenomegaly and blood bypasses the liver producing ascites or esophageal varices, which are abnormally dilated and twisted veins or arteries. Hemorrhage of exophageal varices often requires emergency treatment. If cirrhosis is not treated hepatic failure and death result

There is no known cure, but medication may slow the progression so that a normal lifespan and quality of life may be attainable for many patients. However, specific treatment for fatigue, which may be invalidating in some patients, is unavailable. Ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursodiol) is one, which helps reduce the cholestasis. To relieve itching caused by bile acids in circulation, which would normally be removed by the liver, cholestyramine (a bile acid sequestrant) may be prescribed to absorb bile acids in the gut and be eliminated, rather than re-enter the blood stream. As in all liver diseases, alcoholic beverages are contraindicated. In advanced cases, a liver transplant, if successful, results in a favourable prognosis.