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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

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Treatment For Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Although researchers have studied many treatments, none has been shown to cure or slow the progress of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). Treatment of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis aims to relieve symptoms and manage complications. Medical treatment may include:

• Various medications to relieve itching
• Antibiotics to treat infections
• Vitamin supplements

Instruments passed through an endoscope during * Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can help open blocked bile ducts.

Liver transplantation may be an option if the liver begins to fail.

Points to Remember

• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) inflames, scars, and blocks bile ducts inside and outside the liver.
• When bile ducts become blocked, bile builds up in the liver and damages liver cells.
• PSC can lead to vitamin deficiencies, infections, bile duct cancer, cirrhosis, liver failure, and the need for a liver transplant.
• The cause of PSC is not known.
• Many people with PSC also have ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.
• Treatment includes medications to treat symptoms and complications of PSC.

Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order

* Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
ERCP uses an endoscope - a long, flexible, lighted tube - that goes down the mouth, beyond the stomach, and into the * duodenum to reach an area in the digestive tract where dye can be injected into the bile ducts. X-rays are taken when the dye is injected. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography also can be used to take a tissue sample or to treat blocked ducts.

* Duodenum
Pronounced - doo-AW-duh-num
Duodenum is the first part of the * small intestine, right after your stomach.

* Small Intestine
The small intestine is the organ where most digestion occurs. It measures about 22 feet and includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. More about Small Intestine.

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References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
June 2008
digestive.niddk.nih.gov

The information discussed above is a general overview and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.