Clinical analysis of primary biliary cirrhosis: a report of 31 cases / 中华消化杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective Clinical features of primary biliary cirrhrosis(PBC) were reviewed in order to improve its diagnosis and treatment. Method The general conditions, clinical manifestations, biochemical and immunological changes, and pathological findings were assessed in 31 patients. Result Twenty five cases were females, the mean age at definite diagnosis was (49.2?10.7)years. Jaundice(74.2%) was the most frequent symptoms, pruritus (51.6%) and fatigues (32.3%)were the second and thrid, respectively. Three patients (9.7%)were complicated by ascites. Serum alkline phosphatase (ALP) , glutamyl transpeptidase (? GT) and bilirubin levels were markedly elevated ((388.9?277.5)U/L, (381.6?213.2)U/L and( 176.4 ?176.1)?mol/ L, respectively).ALT and AST levels were mildly or moderately elevated ((79.7?46.3) U/L and(119.8?61.2)U/L, respectively),mean level of IgM was also elevated to (3.0?1.9)g/L. 92% (23/25) of patients had positive anti mitochondrial antibody(AMA). Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDSA) was efficitive in 61.3% of patients. Conclusions PBC most frequently affects middle aged women. The elevated level of ALP, ? GT and IgM and AMA positive may be crucial to diagnosis of PBC. Liver biopsy can help to identify the diagnosis and carry on pathological staging.