Whats the treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis?
Currently there is no cure for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Treatment is directed at managing symptoms and opening narrowed bile ducts. The various symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis often respond effectively to medications that control itching, antibiotics when recurrent infections occur, and vitamins to replace those that are deficient. In some instances, endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical techniques may be employed to open major blockages in the common bile duct and improve bile flow. When progressive liver failure occurs in spite of these measures, liver transplantation may be indicated. Liver transplantation may be an option if the liver begins to fail. Liver transplantation is very effective in the treatment of patients with advanced liver disease caused by primary sclerosing cholangitis. Liver transplant patients have about an 87% one-year and 77% three or more year survival rate and a good quality of life after recovery.
