[TREATMENT OF CHOLESTASIS]
Cholestasis includes a wide variety of causes. When extrahepatic causes are excluded a number of disorders causing intrahepatic cholestasis are defined at this time. The cellular mechanisms of cholestasis have as yet to be completely understood. Diagnosis can be made using history, physical examination, a few laboratory parameters, serology and also ERCP. Treatment depends largely on the cause of the cholestasis. Regarding the leading disorders such as PBC and PSB, ursodesoxycholic acid and in some instances in addition immunosuppressants are thus far established. Liver transplantation remains an important treatment option. All other treatments need to be evaluated against these standard measures.
Schölmerich
Jürgen
J