Biliary Cirrhosis Prognosis

Biliary cirrhosis is a condition where the bile ducts of the liver become blocked. The prognosis of biliary cirrhosis varies from patient to patient based upon how quickly treatment is received and how well the patient responds.

Types of Biliary Cirrhosis

• There are four stages of biliary cirrhosis, with the first stage being inflammation of the bile ducts and the fourth stage involving scarring of the liver, which causes liver failure. Patients whose biliary cirrhosis is treated during stage one have a better prognosis than those who do not receive treatment until the fourth stage.

Symptoms

• Knowing the symptoms of biliary cirrhosis enables patients to seek medical attention more quickly, which leads to quicker diagnosis and an improved prognosis. Early symptoms of the condition include fatigue, itching on your back, arms or legs and dry mouth or eyes.

Treatment

• To treat biliary cirrhosis during stage one, doctors use a medication called ursodeoxycholic acid, which moves bile through the liver, decreasing the likelihood of developing liver damage. When the condition cannot be controlled, a liver transplant is necessary.

Time Frame

• Without treatment, patients typically need a liver transplant within seven years, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Other Risks

• Complications from biliary cirrhosis have the potential to develop and worsen your prognosis. These complications include increased pressure in the portal vein that carries blood into your liver, liver cancer, osteoporosis, vitamin A, D, E or K deficiencies, thyroid disease, sclerdoma or thickening of your connective tissue and rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic.