Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis on Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Although first-line therapy ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is associated with improved long-term survival in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), liver disease progression still occurs. To investigate the risk for cirrhosis-related complications (ascites, encephalopathy, or variceal hemorrhage) in these patients over time, researchers analyzed data from over 3200 patients with PBC who initiated treatment with UDCA at liver centers across Europe and North America between 1977 and 2014. Patient evaluation occurred every 6 to 12 months. After a median follow-up of 8 years, results were as follows:

• The overall incidence rate of hepatic decompensation was 9.7 cases/1000 patient-years.

• When analyzed by time period of patient inclusion in t…