Twenty-six years of plasma exchange for symptomatic treatment of pruritus in primary biliary cirrhosis

摘要

Objective: To demonstrate the efficacy of plasma exchange in primary biliary cirrhosis resistant to pharmacological treatment of pruritus. Material and methods: Review of medical records and scientific literature of plasma exchange and pruritus in primary biliary cirrhosis. Results: Plasma exchange 2-3 times a month maintained pruritus at a subjectively acceptable level and at the same time preserved satisfactory liver function. In total more than 1000 plasma exchanges were given over these 26. years. Conclusions: During these years the patient has been able to continue employment in spite of time consuming regular visits to an apheresis unit. She is now retired.The alternative was a liver transplant which was avoided. Although our patient is a unique case, plasma exchange should be considered in severe pruritus resistant to pharmacological treatment.