An interpretation of 2017 EASL clinical practice guidelines: the diagnosis and management of patients with primary biliary cholangitis

Abstract

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune cholestatic disease and may progress to liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, and even end-stage liver disease without effective treatment. The diagnosis of PBC is mainly based on the biochemical parameters indicating cholestatic hepatitis and the presence of specific autoantibody in circulation. The goals of the treatment and management of PBC are to prevent the development of end-stage liver disease, to improve related clinical symptoms, and to improve patients' quality of life. Since PBC has relatively strong heterogeneity and the clinical manifestations and course of PBC can be diverse, it is necessary to provide long-term individualized treatment and follow-up for such patients. Here we provide an interpretation of the 2017 EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with PBC, in order to better understand recent clinical research evidence and updated recommendations. In particular, we focus on the key points in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up strategies of PBC and emphasizing that timely and accurate risk stratification and proper clinical research enrollment may bring benefits to patients with refractory PBC.