la prévention
There is currently no known way to prevent primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including:
- Genetics
- Immune system problems
- Changes in the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in the intestines, may play a role in liver health. These microbes normally support digestion and help protect the body, but when this balance is disrupted, it can contribute to liver disease.
- Environmental factors
Research on PSC continues to better understand these contributing factors.
Risk factors for PSC
- Sex: PSC occurs more often in men than women.
- Age: PSC can occur at any age, but it’s most often diagnosed in middle-aged adults. Being between 30 and 60
- Having inflammatory bowel disease most often ulcerative colitis: About 5% to 7% of people with some form of IBD, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, also have PSC.
- Geographical location: The number of diagnoses of PSC is higher in Northern Europe and North America than in other parts of the world.
- Genes: Certain gene variations may play a role in the risk and development of the disease.
diagnostic
Since many patients with PSC do not experience any symptoms, diagnosis is often found through routine blood tests or by accident when testing for other conditions. Common tests for PSC include:
- Blood test: high levels of alkaline phosphatase or indicate an immune response is happening. Having high white blood cells is usually a sign of infection in your liver.
- Liver function test: look for high levels of certain liver enzymes. High levels of alkaline phosphatase may indicate PSC.
- Imaging test:
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): This test uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce detailed pictures of the biliary tree (your liver, gallbladder and bile ducts). This is the first-line imaging test for PSC because it’s non-invasive and avoids radiation exposure.
traitement
Il n'existe actuellement aucun traitement spécifique connu pour la cholangite sclérosante primitive. Toutefois, les symptômes de cette maladie peuvent être traités avec plus ou moins de succès par des antibiotiques, des vitamines et des médicaments destinés à contrôler les démangeaisons et à améliorer l'écoulement de la bile. Lorsque la maladie a évolué vers une insuffisance hépatique, transplantation du foie peut être envisagée.