Factors Associated With Progression and Outcomes of Early-stage Primary Biliary Cholangitis.
Publication Title
Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-13-2019
Abstract
BACKGROUND& AIM: Patients usually receive a diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) at an early stage, based on biochemical analyses. We investigated the proportions of these patients who progress to moderate or advanced PBC and factors associated with progression and patient survival.
METHODS: We obtained data from 1615 patients (mean age, 55.4 years) with early-stage PBC (based on their normal levels of albumin and bilirubin), collected at the time of initial evaluation or treatment, from the Global PBC Study Group database (comprising patients at 19 liver centers in North American and European countries). We collected data from healthcare evaluations on progression to moderate PBC (abnormal level of bilirubin or albumin) or advanced-stage PBC (abnormal level of both). The median follow-up time was 7.9 years. The composite endpoint was decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation or death.
RESULTS: Of the 1615 patients identified with early-stage PBC, 904 developed moderate PBC and 201 developed advanced disease over the study period. Proportions of patients who transitioned to moderate PBC at 1, 3, and 5 years were 12.9%, 30.2%, and 45.8%. The proportions of these patients who then transitioned to advanced PBC 1, 3, and 5 years later were 3.4%, 12.5%, and 16.0%. During the follow-up period, 236 patients had a clinical event. Proportions of patients with moderate PBC and event-free survival were 97.9%, 95.1%, and 91.5% at 1, 3, and 5 years, and proportions of patients with advanced PBC and event-free survival were 90.6%, 71.2%, and 58.3% 1, 3, and 5 years later. Variables associated with transition from early to moderate PBC included baseline levels of bilirubin, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase; aspartate to alanine aminotransferase ratio; platelet count; and treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid. Transitions from early to moderate PBC and from moderate to advanced PBC were associated with higher probabilities of a clinical event (time-dependent hazard ratios, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.0-4.5 and 4.6; 95% CI, 3.5-6.2).
CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of patients with early-stage PBC progress to a more severe stage within 5 years. Progression is associated with increased risk of a clinical event, so surveillance is important for patients with early-stage PBC.
Area of Special Interest
Digestive Health
Specialty/Research Institute
Gastroenterology
Specialty/Research Institute
Hepatology
