Epidemiology and Risk Factors of PBC

Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a rare but impactful autoimmune liver disease with a global prevalence of about 3 in 10,000—yet it's the most common cholestatic liver disease in the United States, particularly among middle-aged women. In this video, we explore the pathogenesis, demographics, and progression of PBC, including how it typically presents in women around age 40 and disproportionately affects Caucasians, though it occurs across all racial and ethnic groups.

We discuss how PBC arises from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition and unknown environmental triggers, potentially involving bacterial exposure. Learn how the immune system mistakenly attacks the small intrahepatic bile ducts, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, bile duct loss, and eventually cirrhosis.

Whether you're a healthcare provider or patient seeking answers, this video offers a clear, evidence-based explanation of how PBC develops and why early diagnosis is key—even before cirrhosis sets in—due to the significant impact of cholestasis.