Revisão bibliográfica sobre colangite biliar primária

Abstract

This is a narrative review of the main topics related to primary biliary cholangitis. It reviews aspects of epidemiology, hepatic and extrahepatic clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, diagnostic criteria, prognostic evaluation and therapeutic management. Primary biliary cholangitis is an autoimmune disease that is more prevalent in middle-aged women and manifests with chronic and progressive intrahepatic cholestasis, and may have asymptomatic laboratory alterations or decompensated liver cirrhosis. It is diagnosed by the combination of a tripod: cholestasis, autoimmunity represented by autoantibodies and compatible liver biopsy. The first-line drug for therapy is ursodeoxycholic acid. New second-line drugs are currently being studied. This work prioritizes a review of the evidence that supports the new drugs and that positively expands the possibility of offering adequate control of this disease. In addition, the study highlights some serological details that help in the diagnosis of atypical forms of the disease.