Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: From Pathogenesis to Clinical Treatment - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0792387406 ISBN 13: 9780792387404

Publisher: Springer, 1998

Synopsis

The condition of prolonged obstructive jaundice with patent bile ducts was first described in 1851 by Addison and Gull of Guy's Hospital, London. The term primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) was defined in 1950 by Ahrens and colleagues of the Rockefeller Institute, New York. The condition was considered rare but this changed in 1965 with the discovery of a definitive diagnostic serum mitochondrial antibody test and the recognition that a raised serum alkaline phosphatase value, often discovered incidentally, could be a diagnostic pointer. If the diagnosis is made earlier, the end stages are rarely reached as death is replaced by liver transplantation. On November 6th 1997, in Chicago, an International Faculty discussed in depth the clinical features, pathogenesis and treatment of PBC, no longer considered a rare disease. The course of PBC is long, but some 18 years after the discovery of a positive mitochondrial antibody test in a symptom­ free patient with normal serum biochemistry, 83% will have developed abnormal tests and 76% will be symptomatic. Identification of those who will progress rapidly is difficult. The serum antimitochondrial profile may be useful but this is a very specialist technique. Mathematical prognostic models are useful in therapeutic trials and in the selection and timing of patients for liver transplantation but have limited value in individual patients. An increasing serum bilirubin level remains the most important indicator of rapid progression. Its value however can be negated by the use of ursodeoxycholic acid which has a bilirubin-lowering effect.

About this title

Synopsis:

This volume, the proceedings of a one-day symposium held in Chicago, USA, on November 6, 1997, provides an update for hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and basic scientists with an interest in primary biliary cirrhosis. New insights into the pathogenesis and the natural history of the disease are discussed, and approaches to management of the complications as well as newer therapeutic options are presented by internationally recognized authors. It is intended that this book will help foster new and better approaches for the management of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

About this edition

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0792387406
• ISBN 13: 9780792387404
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 191
• Editor: Lindor Keith D., Heathcote E. Jenny, Poupon Raoul E.