Update in the Care and Management of Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Purpose of Review

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease for which specific medical therapy is not available. The goals of treatment are primarily early detection and management of complications. In this review, we discuss novel therapies under evaluation and provide the foundation for surveillance strategies.

Recent Findings

Drugs under investigation include norursodeoxycholic acid, nuclear receptor agonists, anti-fibrotics, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Endoscopic therapy is indicated for symptomatic dominant strictures and in the work-up of malignancies. Recently, the use of stents was associated with an increased rate of complications compared to balloon dilatation; and long-term stenting should be avoided. Malignancies currently account for most of the PSC-related mortality.

Summary

Many drugs are emerging for the treatment of PSC but liver transplantation is the only treatment modality shown to prolong survival. PSC recurrence occurs in up to 35% of transplanted allografts within a median of 5 years. Surveillance for hepatobiliary and colorectal malignancies is indicated.