Living with Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis
A liver condition with repeated episodes of poor bile flow, causing itching and yellow skin.
Understanding Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis
Episodes can last weeks to months, and there are usually no symptoms in between, for weeks to years. The first episode is usually in the teens or twenties. It is called benign because it does not cause lasting liver damage, though episodes can rarely progress to a more severe form called progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). It has two types, BRIC1 and BRIC2.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Severe itching (pruritus)
- Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Clay-colored stools
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Fatigue
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Advocacy and Resource Network
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in genes cause this condition. It can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive way.
Also known as: benign familial recurrent cholestasis; benign recurrent cholestasis; bric; bric - benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis; cholestasis, benign recurrent intrahepatic; summerskill-walshe-tygstrup syndrome
Patient organizations
- Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Advocacy and Resource NetworkBenign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis.
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