Primary biliary cholangitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are associated with various hepatobiliary disorders. There is a strong association for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), another autoimmune cholestatic liver disease, is not usually associated with IBD. The aim of this study is to report cases of PBC-associated IBD, their clinical features, response to therapy, and long-term outcome.

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collated database identified patients presenting with PBC-associated IBD from 2006 to 2016. PBC has been diagnosed according to accepted criteria, and staged according to Ludwig classification. A magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was performed to rule out PSC. Response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy has been assessed by using the Paris II criteria.

A total of six patients (five females) with PBC-associated IBD were identified. Median age at IBD diagnosis was 44.7 years (range 22.5-48.8). Three had Crohn's disease and three ulcerative colitis. PBC was diagnosed in all after IBD had been diagnosed. All patients presented with cholestasis, all were positive for anti-mitochondrial antibodies. MRCP was normal in all. Liver biopsy was consistent with PBC (stage I in one, stage II in five). One year after initiation of UDCA, all patients responded to therapy.

Herein we describe the largest series reported to date of PBC-associated IBD. Although the coexistence of the two conditions is rare, PBC should be considered during the work-up of abnormal liver function tests in patients with IBD.