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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Symptoms (Cont.)

Late Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Symptoms

As the liver continues to be damaged and scarred, it may stop performing one or more of its normal functions. For example, it may stop cleaning harmful wastes, toxins, and drugs from the blood. It may also stop making enough of the proteins your body needs to function properly.
 
When the liver becomes badly damaged with primary biliary cirrhosis, several late symptoms can begin to appear. These late primary biliary cirrhosis symptoms may include:
 
  • A worsening jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
  • Fluid build-up in the stomach area and legs (ascites)
  • A slowing of mental function
  • Bruising or bleeding very easily, including frequent nose bleeds
  • Intense itching
  • Personality changes
  • Bleeding in the stomach and esophagus (known as varices).
     
Other problems may also develop as a result of severe primary biliary cirrhosis. These complications may include:
 
(Click Cirrhosis Complications for more information on these possible complications of primary biliary cirrhosis.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD