Liver Transplantation for Primary Biliary Cholangitis

The number of LT performed for PBC has declined over the years, which likely reflects the benefits of earlier diagnosis and treatment. Nonetheless, LT remains an important option and the only cure for patients with progressive PBC despite medical therapy with survival rates among the highest of all indications for LT. As such, patients are living longer and are at risk for developing clinically relevant recurrent disease and other complications related to chronic immunosuppression. The recent landmark publications from the Global PBC Study Group provide valuable insight into the changing landscape of PBC before and after LT. Although the incidence of rPBC is improved with preventive UDCA, rPBC is associated with decreased patient and graft survival.

Automated summary

The number of liver transplantation for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has decreased over the years, but it remains an important and curative option for progressive PBC patients. Recent studies from the Global PBC Study Group have provided valuable insights into the changes in PBC before and after liver transplantation.