Managing PBC Symptoms in the Real World: Practical Tips for APPs

August 2025

Join Sudhisha Jala, PA-C, and Rachael Bierschenk, ARNP, for an insightful and practical podcast episode on managing Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) in real-world clinical settings. With combined experience in gastroenterology and hepatology, these two seasoned APPs explore the most common and challenging symptoms of PBC—fatigue and pruritus—and share both non-pharmacological strategies and evidence-based pharmacological interventions to improve patient outcomes. From light therapy and low-impact exercise to bile acid sequestrants and novel PPAR agonists, they highlight what works, what to watch for, and how to tailor care to each patient's needs. This episode also delves into the importance of early adherence to treatment—even in asymptomatic patients—and how to counsel patients through concerns about long-term medication use. Learn when to consider specialist referrals, differentiate PBC fatigue from other causes, and discover how APPs are uniquely positioned to deliver whole-person care. Whether you're new to managing PBC or looking to refine your approach, this conversation offers valuable pearls and clinical confidence. For more APP-focused education, visit the GHAPP website or download the GHAPP ACE App.