A 37-year-old member asked:
how can i treat primary sclerosing cholangitis?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arthur Helleranswered
Gastroenterology 43 years experience
Difficult problem: Psc: autoimmune swelling/scarring of bile ducts within and outside the liver; often associated with infl. Bowel (usually ulc colitis). Increased risk for biliary ca. Med rx for itch, biochem abnormalities, e.g. Urso (bear bile), antihistamines, antibiotics for infections, vitamin supllements for deficiencies. Ercp procedure may open some strictures (narrowing). Ultimately, may need liver transpla.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Shady Macaronanswered
General Surgery 20 years experience
Ursodiol: Standard treatment includes ursodiol, a bile acid naturally produced by the liver, which has been shown to lower elevated liver enzyme numbers in people with psc, but has not improved liver- or overall survival. Invasive approaches include ERCP and stunting are needed to open major blockage. Liver transplant is the only proven long term treatment.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
Is cholangitis painful?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 34 years experience
Usually: Cholangitis is bile duct inflammation usually occurring secondary to bile duct obstruction from stones. Bacteria in the bile duct are readily absorbed into the bloodstream from the liver and lead to serious infections. Classic findings are right upper abdominal pain (not unlike a gallbladder attack), fever, and jaundice. Some people are so ill that they are lethargic and have no pain complaints.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Will primary sclerosing cholangitis kill me?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Valentin Drezaliuanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 20 years experience
Yes: It is a disease that slowly progresses and eventually without treatment leads to hepatic failure which has a very high mortality rate.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Do doctors see a lot of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jennifer Anyaegbunamanswered
General Practice 7 years experience
No: Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare disease affecting 6 out of 100, 000 people in the USA. It is more common in men then in women, and the mean age at diagnosis of is around 40 years of age.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
What's the best treatment to get rid of cholangitis?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Shabbir Hossainanswered
Internal Medicine 16 years experience
Antibiotics: Cholangitis implies infection of the bile ducts in the liver.Requires antibiotics.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
CA
A 28-year-old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: primary sclerosing cholangitis?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Shady Macaronanswered
General Surgery 20 years experience
PSC: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (psc) is a chronic liver disease caused by progressive inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts of the liver. The inflammation impedes the flow of bile to the gut, which can ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. The underlying cause of the inflammation is believed to be autoimmunity.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Kuhnke commented
General Surgery 40 years experience
PSC can be associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and can lead to cancer of the bile ducts, cirrhosis and liver failure. Liver transplant may eventually be necessary in its' worst form. It was the cause of death of the great Chicago Bears running back, Walter Payton.
Jan 26, 2013
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Sep 9, 2018
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