Can people with PBC live a normal lifespan?
Yes, many people with PBC can live a normal lifespan with appropriate treatment. With effective treatment, life expectancy for people with PBC can be the same as the general population.
People who respond well to treatment, particularly ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), often have Show Full Answer
Can people with PBC live a normal lifespan?
Yes, many people with PBC can live a normal lifespan with appropriate treatment. With effective treatment, life expectancy for people with PBC can be the same as the general population.
People who respond well to treatment, particularly ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), often have the same life expectancy as people without PBC. Those who never develop symptoms are also likely to have a normal life expectancy.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key factors. More than half of people are now diagnosed before symptoms appear, which allows for earlier treatment and life expectancies approaching the normal range.
What affects life expectancy?
Several factors influence your outlook:
* How well you respond to treatment in the first 6 months to 2 years
* Your PBC stage when diagnosed
* Whether you develop symptoms
* Your liver function test results
About 25 to 30 percent of people taking UDCA have a complete response, meaning PBC doesn't progress and liver function tests remain normal. These individuals typically have the same life expectancy as the general population.
Working closely with your hepatologist to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed is essential for the best possible outcome.
February 17
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