Wednesday Words

[DonnaBoll]

CHOLESTASIS - This word refers to a state of impaired bile production and/or its bile flow and its consequences. This term does not refer to the mechanism responsible for this happening.

This cholestatic state can result in itching, very common in PBC, or jaundice. When LFT's (liver function tests) are elevated, it is important for imaging (an ultrasound ) to be done to see if there is a blockage to the bile duct or widening of the bile ducts above the blockage causing obstruction of bile flow.