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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis or PSC is a chronic condition that is related to problems with the Liver and near the Gallbladder that is caused by Inflammation and the scarring of the bile ducts. Diffuse inflammation of bilary tract can lead to fibrosis & stricture of bilary system.

It is progressive disease that worsens over time. As symptoms worsen, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis can lead to Cirrhosis and Liver Failure.

When a duct affected by inflammation occurs, this impedes bile from flowing to the intestines. The back-up of bile and other changes can lead to worsening symptoms.

The specific cause of PSC is unknown but an autoimmune disorder is widely recognized.

There is believed to be an association with Ulcerative Colitis which is also an autoimmune condition. It is less clear if the association is from UC causing symptoms or related problems.

Seen most often in Men ages 20 – 50

–  21 per 100,000 men
–  6 per 100,000 women
–  There is a 10% risk of cholangiocarcinoma or liver cancer.
–  1-4% of those with Ulcerative Colitis develop PSC
–  But 70% of thoses with PSC also have ulcerative colitis

Symptoms:

–  Jaundice
–  Itching
–  Fatigue
–  Fatty stools
–  Stool color change – Pale stools
–  Dark urine

Treatment:

1.)  Steroid Medications

.         Corticosteroids
.         Cholestyramine

2.) Broad spectrum antibiotics

3.)  Other Medications

.          Ursodeoxycholic
.          Vitamins

4.)  Liver Transplant

*** Survival – Once onset of symptoms begins the average length of survival is 10 yrs.