Primary biliary cirrhosis: when and why does the disease develop?

Dig Liver Dis. 2006 Apr;38(4):272-5. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2006.03.001.

Abstract

Primary biliary cirrhosis is a chronic cholestatic liver disease with an autoimmune pathogenesis, that generally develops in adult life, often in perimenopausal age. The clinical features are heterogeneous, ranging from an asymptomatic presentation to end-stage liver disease. Primary biliary cirrhosis is unknown in children and its natural history has yet to be elucidated. Following a Canadian report of primary biliary cirrhosis in two girls (16 and 15 years old), we describe a clinical case developing at 17 years of age. A temporal association between Borrelia Burgdorferi infection and diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis was observed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Borrelia burgdorferi / immunology
  • Cholagogues and Choleretics / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / diagnosis*
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / drug therapy
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / immunology*
  • Mitochondria / immunology
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Cholagogues and Choleretics
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid