PBC New Therapeutic

Live from the GHAPP National 2024 Conference, this Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Symposium explores the latest advancements in diagnosing, treating, and managing PBC, a chronic autoimmune liver disease. Moderated by Christina Hanson, NP, and featuring expert insights from Lucy Mathew, NP (Cedars-Sinai), Lindsay Yoder, PA-C (Indiana University Health), and Anne Moore, NP (Arizona Liver Health), this session provides a comprehensive look at new therapies, disease progression, and symptom management for PBC patients.

The discussion covers early identification and staging of PBC, including the importance of anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) testing, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) monitoring, and non-invasive fibrosis assessment. Experts detail the latest PBC treatment guidelines, starting with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) as first-line therapy and moving to second-line options such as obeticholic acid (OCA), fibrates, elafibranor, and seladelpar, which offer promising new strategies for patients with an inadequate response to UDCA.

The session also highlights the management of PBC-associated pruritus, a debilitating symptom affecting up to 80% of patients, discussing bile acid sequestrants, Rifampin, naltrexone, SSRIs, and emerging therapies that improve quality of life. Additionally, the panel addresses bone density screening, autoimmune overlap syndromes, and real-world treatment challenges, emphasizing personalized approaches to PBC care.

Watch now for expert guidance on optimizing PBC management and improving patient outcomes. For more educational resources, visit the GHAPP website or download the GHAPP ACE app.