Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare, chronic autoimmune cholestatic liver disease affecting roughly 318,000 Canadians. While it primarily impacts middle-aged and older women, incidence among younger men is increasing, narrowing the historical gender gap. Prevalence varies regionally, highest in the Atlantic provinces and lowest in Ontario, and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
Why PBC Matters
Even in early stages, PBC can significantly affect quality of life. Fatigue is common, impacting up to 80% of patients, and pruritus often worsens at night. These symptoms can contribute to depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.Left untreated, PBC may progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately end-stage liver disease. Comorbidities such as osteoporosis, hyperlipidemia, and other autoimmune conditions further complicate management.
What Clinicians Should Know
Timely recognition and individualized management are critical. Risk stratification helps guide treatment decisions, and familiarity with second-line therapies—such as obeticholic acid (OCA) and elafibranor—allows for proactive symptom control and improved long-term outcomes. Multidisciplinary collaboration is key to addressing both the medical and quality-of-life impacts for patients.
The free 30-minute MOC Section 3 accredited course “Optimizing PBC Management: Emerging Therapies, Risk Stratification, and Patient-Centered Care” walks clinicians through a case-based approach, highlighting evidence-based strategies for timely intervention, second-line therapies, and patient-centered care.
This program has received financial support from Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals in the form of an unrestricted educational grant.