The incidence of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) appears to be on the rise, especially in the Western Pacific region, according to a recently published study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
The study’s authors aimed to gather global data from three electronic medical databases to assess the worldwide incidence (the total number of new cases) and prevalence (the total number of existing cases) of PBC, as well as its association with certain economic variables.
“With emerging data from Asia and Europe, it is time to systematically summarize the global burden of PBC,” the authors wrote. “Our current study aims to provide an updated global estimate and temporal trend of the prevalence and incidence of PBC.”
After an extensive search of medical databases using keywords such as “primary biliary cholangitis,” “prevalence,” “incidence,” and “epidemiology,” the researchers retrieved over 7,000 studies. After applying inclusion criteria, they selected 59 studies, which together included over 360 million individuals and nearly 130,000 patients with PBC.
Global prevalence and incidence of PBC
Statistical analysis of the selected studies showed a global prevalence of 18 cases per 100,000 people. The three most affected regions were the Americas, Europe and the Western Pacific, in that order.
On the other hand, the global incidence was 1.8 cases per 100,000 persons observed over the course of a year. The same three regions were most affected, consistent with the prevalence findings.
Regional variations in incidence over time
The global trend shows a continued rise in PBC prevalence. Furthermore, the authors observed significant temporal variations in incidence, particularly in the Western Pacific region, which experienced a marked increase in prevalence in the last year. Europe, conversely, experienced a significant decrease in incidence during the same period.
Possible causes for prevalence changes
The authors hypothesize that the documented changes in prevalence are due to increased physician awareness, improved diagnostic methods and better access to treatment, which has led to increased life expectancy among patients.
There was a positive correlation between the level of economic development in a country and the prevalence of PBC, likely due to the aforementioned factors.
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Additionally, PBC prevalence was higher in countries with higher latitudes; the authors noted this may be related to sun exposure and vitamin D levels, and that further studies are needed.
“In conclusion, this updated systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the rising prevalence and incidence of PBC in the Western Pacific region,” the authors concluded.
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