sCD163 in PBC Patients - Assessment of Treatment Response

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune chronic liver disease, characterised by destruction of the small intrahepatic bile ducts. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the first line treatment for patients with PBC. However, up to 40% of patients respond inadequate to this treatment. sCD163 is a macrophage activation marker shedded into plasma by macrophages in the liver. sMR is a soluble mannose receptor. The investigators want to investigate whether sCD163 and sMR can predict response to treatment with UDCA in newly diagnosed patients with PBC.