Chronic Complications of Cholestasis: Evaluation and Management

Abstract

Patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are at risk for various harmful consequences of chronic cholestasis. These include fat-soluble vitamin deficiency, even in the setting of macronutrient sufficiency, as well as metabolic bone disease, including osteoporosis with fractures. Hyperlipidemia is often present and less commonly associated with risk of cardiovascular event; however, the long-term effect of new emerging therapies for PBC remains to be determined. Patients with PBC also have infrequent but notable risk of portal hypertension despite early-stage disease. This review discusses the background, evaluation, and practical management of these complications of chronic cholestasis.

Keywords: Cholestasis; Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Hyperlipidemia; Malabsorption; Metabolic bone disease; Portal hypertension; Primary biliary cholangitis.