AMA screening PBC
Antibodies to AMA (mitochondria al.) screening including titer determination.
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) can be diagnosed by antibody blood tests and other tests.
This blood test looks for the presence of a certain type of antibody, the antibodies to mitochondria (AMA). Mitochondria are parts of body cells. These antibodies occur in about 95% of patients with PBC.
It is wise to also check liver values for a proper diagnosis.
PBC is a so-called autoimmune disease. Every person has an immune system that protects their body from outside influences. The immune system makes antibodies against foreign invaders in the body. With these antibodies, bacteria and viruses can be rendered harmless.
In Primary Bilious Cholangitis (PBC), the small bile ducts in the liver are chronically inflamed. Because of this inflammation, the bile ducts become increasingly clogged. This prevents the bile fluid from draining properly. This is called and bile congestion. This accumulation of bile fluid (bile congestion) in the liver leads to inflammation and damage to the liver cells. Eventually, the liver cells become irreparably damaged and scar tissue is formed. This process is irreversible and is called liver cirrhosis.
In an autoimmune disease, the immune system is actually overactive. The immune system makes antibodies not only against foreign invaders, but also against certain healthy cells of one's own body. In PBC, antibodies are produced against the tissue of the bile ducts in the liver. As a result, these bile ducts become inflamed. It is unclear how this immune reaction against one's own body occurs. Possibly an infection with a virus or bacteria could be a trigger that activates the immune system.
Several autoimmune diseases sometimes occur together. In addition to cells of the liver, antibodies are then made against cells of the thyroid gland, joints or colon, for example. PBC frequently occurs together with:
- Sjögren's syndrome, a condition characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth. As a result of an autoimmune reaction, chronic inflammation of the tear and salivary glands occurs.
- scleroderma, a skin condition, in which hardening of the skin occurs.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism), a chronic inflammation of the joints.
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