Marked on 13 September, International Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Awareness Day aims to raise awareness among the general public and healthcare professionals about this rare chronic liver disease that is often underdiagnosed. PBC is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects middle-aged women, characterised by the progressive destruction of the small bile ducts in the liver, which leads to bile accumulation, inflammation, and liver damage.
One of the main challenges of PBC is related to the non-specific nature of its initial symptoms, which include persistent fatigue, intense itching, dry eyes and mouth, as well as abnormalities in blood tests. In many cases, the disease is identified incidentally during routine examinations. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the disease can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
Early diagnosis is essential and is based on a combination of blood tests, including testing for specific antibodies, and complementary tests to assess liver function and structure. There are currently therapeutic options available that can slow disease progression and improve laboratory parameters, although treatment success depends on regular medical follow-up.
In addition to pharmacological treatment, symptom management and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits play an important role. Psychological support, appropriate physical activity, and patient education about their condition contribute to better adaptation to the diagnosis and greater adherence to treatment.
