An article published in Liver International discussed that cholestatic liver diseases (CLDs) involve a spectrum of disorders that include impaired bile formation and/or flow. These disorders often lead to progressive hepatobiliary injury and eventually, end-stage liver disease. The majority of patients with CLD are diagnosed between 20-50 years of age, and these diseases are associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and unpredictable pregnancy-related outcomes of. 

The most dominant CLDs are primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)—which predispose to significant morbidity and mortality. Such cases are major indications for liver transplantation. Associated complications of these disorders are – ascites, hepatic osteodystrophy; related conditions include – inflammatory bowel disease; and symptoms include – pruritus and fatigue. These have been implicated in affecting the HRQOL in these patients. 

Source: Liver International. 2018 Mar;38(3):399-411. doi: 10.1111/liv.13591.