Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis.
BACKGROUND
Three types of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) have been identified, but their etiologies include unknown mechanisms.


METHODS
A PubMed search on "progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis" and "PFIC" was performed on the topic, and the relevant articles were reviewed.


RESULTS
The etiologies of the three PFIC types still include unknown mechanisms. Especially in PFIC type 1, enterohepatic circulation of bile acid should be considered. Ursodeoxycholic acid, partial external biliary diversion and liver transplantation have been used for the treatment of PFIC patients according to disease course.


CONCLUSIONS
Since the etiologies and disease mechanisms of PFIC are still unclear, detailed studies are urgently required. Strategies for more advanced therapies are also needed. These developments in the future are indispensable, especially for PFIC type 1 patients.
Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic in Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA. hori.tomohide@mayo.edu
Tomohide
T
Hori
Justin H
JH
Nguyen
Shinji
S
Uemoto
D015904:Biliopancreatic Diversion; D002780:Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D010641:Phenotype