By Elizabeth J Carey, Cynthia Levy MD
The Guest Editors have put together an issue of clinical reviews that provides the most current look at PBC.

PBC, also known as Primary Biliary Cholangitis, is a chronic liver disease that affects the bile ducts in the liver. It is a rare condition, but its prevalence is increasing. There have been significant advancements in the understanding and management of PBC in recent years, and this book aims to provide clinicians and researchers with the most up-to-date information.

The book is edited by Elizabeth J Carey and Cynthia Levy MD, both experts in the field of hepatology and liver diseases. They have gathered a group of authors who are also experts in their respective areas to contribute to this comprehensive review.

The book covers a wide range of topics related to PBC. It starts with discussing the changes in the epidemiology of PBC, including the current trends and risk factors associated with the disease. The role of genetics and epigenetics in PBC is also explored, giving insights into the genetic predisposition and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of the disease.

One of the key aspects discussed in the book is the role of bile acids and the bicarbonate umbrella in the pathogenesis of PBC. Bile acids play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats, and their dysregulation has been implicated in the development of liver diseases, including PBC.

The book also provides an overview of the current treatment options available for PBC. It discusses the use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is the standard treatment for PBC, as well as other emerging therapies that are being investigated.

Another important topic covered in the book is the natural history of PBC in the UDCA era and the role of scoring systems in predicting disease progression. This information can help clinicians in making informed decisions regarding the management and monitoring of patients.

Pruritus, or itching, is a common symptom in PBC, and the book explores various treatment strategies to alleviate this distressing symptom. Chronic complications of cholestasis, such as vitamin deficiencies and osteoporosis, are also discussed, along with their work-up and management.

The authors also emphasize the importance of individualizing care for patients with PBC, as the disease can have a significant impact on their quality of life. They discuss various non-medical therapies and lifestyle modifications that can complement medical treatment and improve patient outcomes.

The book highlights the role of liver biopsy in the diagnosis and staging of PBC. It provides recommendations on when to perform a liver biopsy and how to interpret the results.

The book also addresses some intriguing topics, such as AMA-negative PBC and its similarity or dissimilarity to AMA-positive PBC. It explores the concept of overlap syndrome with autoimmune hepatitis, a condition where individuals have features of both PBC and autoimmune hepatitis.

The final chapter of the book focuses on the current status of liver transplantation for PBC. It discusses the indications, outcomes, and challenges associated with liver transplantation in patients with PBC.

This book is a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and students interested in PBC. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the disease and its management. The articles are written by experts in the field and are based on the latest research and clinical practice guidelines.

Purchasing this book will not only give you access to the most current knowledge on PBC, but it will also contribute to ongoing research and advancements in the field. By supporting the authors and publishers, you are helping to promote further studies and improvements in the management of this complex liver disease.

Order your copy of this book today and stay up-to-date with the latest information on PBC.

Product Details

• Publisher: Elsevier; 1st edition (September 28, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0323613942
• ISBN-13: 978-0323613941