British Journal of Dermatology | 2019
Pruritus secondary to primary biliary cholangitis: a review of the pathophysiology and management with phototherapy
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune hepatobiliary disorder characterized by destruction of liver bile ducts leading to intrahepatic cholestasis. It causes intractable pruritus for which ultraviolet (UV)B phototherapy is an experimental treatment when alternative therapies fail. The pathophysiology of cholestatic itch and the mechanism of action of narrowband UVB in this condition remains poorly understood.