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

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.