PSC: symptoms & diagnosis
What are the symptoms of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis?
Many people have no symptoms at first and the disease is only discovered because of abnormal results of routine blood tests in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. In some people PSC does not produce any symptoms. Most people have few or no symptoms for many years.
Common early symptoms of PSC are:
- tiredness
- some abdominal discomfort in the right upper abdomen.
Late symptoms of PSC are:
- itching
- jaundice – yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- episodes of fever, shaking and chills can be distressing but are uncommon.
How is Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis diagnosed?
PSC is diagnosed on the combination of symptoms, blood tests and a picture of the bile ducts, called a cholangiogram. A liver biopsy may be needed not only to confirm the diagnosis, but also to assess either how early or advanced the disease is.
If your GP suspects you may have the condition you will be referred to a hospital specialist for tests, expert advice and treatment.
Treatment for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
At present there is no known cure or specific treatment for PSC. Clinical trials are happening to try to find treatments for the future.
Symptoms such as itching can be treated with agents such as cholestyramine, rifampicin or naltrexone.
Liver transplant
For a few people who eventually go on to get advanced cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be recommended when their quality of life has deteriorated and medical treatment can no longer control their symptoms. Because PSC usually develops slowly, transplantation can generally be carefully planned well ahead.
Endoscopic treatment
People with advanced PSC are often deficient in vitamins A, D and K and replacement fat-soluble vitamins are given. Endoscopic treatment of the bile ducts is aimed at reducing or halting the progression of the disease, usually by stretching or dilating the narrowed bile ducts. In later stages of the disease liver transplantation is often an option. Survival after this operation is good, although in some patients PSC can recur in the new liver.
Further Information
Looking after yourself when you have Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
When someone has a long-term liver problem such as PSC, the liver’s ability to carry out its many functions may not be as good as in a healthy person. In particular, the liver’s ability to break down alcohol and medicines may be impaired, however this is often not a problem. If in doubt, check with your doctor.
Diet
People with PSC may not have any symptoms associated with fat malabsorption, while others develop symptoms of fat intolerance such as nausea, bloating and abdominal discomfort if they eat even moderate amounts of dietary fat. As the disease advances, the amount of fat excreted in the stools increases (steatorrhoea) and they become bulky, pale and have a tendency to float in the toilet pan.
People with PSC vary in the amount of fat they can tolerate. Most find they are able to work out their tolerance level through ‘trial and error’ by reducing their intake of higher fat foods. Stools become less frequent, darker and easier to flush away. If, however, steatorrhoea is still troublesome then specialist dietary advice will be needed in order to reduce dietary fat intake while keeping energy and protein levels relatively high.
Fats contain the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, K and E, and these may need to be supplemented. Oral supplements can be given but as the disease progresses it may be necessary to provide the supplements monthly by intramuscular injection.
As people with PBC and PSC are prone to bone disease, calcium supplements will usually be given alongside vitamin D.
People with PBC and PSC may develop cirrhosis and need to follow special diet advice. Read more about diet and cirrhosis here.
Tiredness (fatigue)
Tiredness is the commonest symptom of PSC. Some people may need to consider making changes to their lifestyle and pacing their daily activities helps to preserve stamina and energy. Gentle exercise such as walking and swimming can be beneficial.
Talk to your dentist and doctor
Do tell your dentist that you have PSC as there may be an increased risk of bleeding.
It is important that you talk to your doctor before taking any medicine (not prescribed by him or her), including paracetamol, herbal remedies and Chinese medicine.
UK PSC Study
UK-PSC is a collaborative venture between NHS Trusts across the UK, researchers and patient groups aimed at improving our understanding of PSC and the way it impacts on the lives of patients. People of all ages (including children) with PSC are encouraged to join. Visit www.uk-psc.com
Please visit the support section of our website for information on Support groups in your area.