Cholestase intrahépatique familiale progressive

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestatis (PFIC) is a rare inherited condition caused by a mutation in a gene affecting the ability of bile to drain from the liver.

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what is progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis?

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a rare hereditary disease in which the liver cells struggle to produce and secrete bile. Bile (the digestive fluid made by the liver) plays important roles to help remove toxins from the body and to break down fat in food. Patients with this condition are unable to secrete bile properly causing the buildup of waste in the blood stream, and the body’s inability to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) properly. The buildup of bile in liver cells can also cause liver damage and severe liver diseases.

en bref

  • The exact incidence of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis but it is estimated that it affects 1 in every 50, 000 to 1 in every 100, 000 births.
  • Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis affects women and men equally.

symptômes

Symptoms of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis include:

  • Démangeaisons intenses
  • Difficulties gaining weight
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Bleeding and poor bone growth caused by vitamin K deficiency
  • Inflammation of the liver and spleen
  • Fatigue

l'impact du mode de vie

Patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis generally affects infants and children causing patients to have difficulties growing and gaining weight also known as failure to thrive. This can result in developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues later in life.

que puis-je faire ?

la prévention

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis is an inherited disease and therefore cannot be prevented.

diagnostic

Diagnostic methods for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis include:

  • Blood tests to check the state of the liver and the biliary system (gallbladder and bile ducts).
  • Imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans or MRIs
  • Liver biopsy
  • Genetic testing

traitement

Treatment for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis focuses on limiting growth failure and managing symptoms and discomfort. These treatment options include:

  • Vitamin supplements can be taken in order to replenish the vitamins A, D, E, and K that are not being properly absorbed by the body through the bile.
  • Odevixibat can be used to treat severe itching.
  • Ursodiol (also called ursodeoxycholic acid or UDCA) reduces elevated liver enzymes by easing bile flow through the liver.

ressources supplémentaires

Voici quelques questions à poser à votre médecin ou à l'équipe médicale :

  • What is the status of my liver?
  • What treatments are available to manage my symptoms?
  • What lifestyle changes should I make to improve my liver condition?
  • Is my child at risk of having progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis?