Biliary Cirrhosis

BiliaryCirrhosis
What is it?
*Cholangiolitic Hepatitis (obstructive jaundice)- caused by excessive
copper storage in kidney, liver, or spleen
*Progressive destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts
*Progressive, etiology unknown, may be an autoimmune response
Signs and Symptoms:
*Jaundice, portal hypertension, pruritus
Medications:
*Cholestyramine- decreases bile acids, causes constipation, belching
*Colchicine- causes stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
*Cyclosporine- nephrotoxic with extended use, may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
*D-pencillamine (Depen, Cuprimine)- reduces circulating immune complexes,
may cause nausea, GI upset, diarrhea, stomatitis
What can I do?
*See your Physician
*See RD for help as needed
*See FFF RD on line for help
*Decrease copper stores, < 2 grams per day
-limit dried beans, chocolate, broccoli, nuts, tea, cocoa, wheat germ, shellfish, bran
*Correct malnutrition, diarrhea, steatorrhea, osteomalacia
*Increase fluids as Physician allows
*Osteopenia- Increase Calcium, Vitamin D
*Steatorrhea- increase Vitamin D, E, A, K- fat soluble vitamins
*Hypercholesterolemia- decrease saturated fats/cholesterol
*See FFF for all vitamin and other as stated above