Rising incidence and prevalence of primary biliary cirrhosis: a large population-based study

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Large population-based studies are much needed to accurately establish the epidemiology of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). We aimed to collect all PBC patients in a geographically defined area to evaluate the epidemiology of PBC and examine the possible association of PBC with smoking, age at menarche, age at first pregnancy and number of pregnancies.

METHODS: All PBC patients between 2000 and 2008 were identified in a geographically defined area of the Netherlands, comprising 50% of the Dutch population. Four independent hospital databases were searched in 44 hospitals. Medical records were reviewed on site verifying diagnosis and for collection of clinical data. Age- and gender matched controls were recruited from the outpatient clinics of four participating hospitals. Patients and controls were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding family history, previous and current smoking behaviour and fertility status.

RESULTS: Nine hundred and ninety-two PBC patients fulfilled all inclusion criteria, resulting in a mean incidence of 1.1 per 100 000; 0.3 in men and 1.9 in women. On January 1st 2008 the point prevalence was 13.2 per 100 000 inhabitants. Incidence and prevalence rates were increasing over time (P < 0.001). No geographical differences in disease distribution were observed. Smoking behaviour, age at menarche, age at first pregnancy, gravidity and number of children were not significantly different between cases and controls.

CONCLUSION: Incidence and prevalence rates of PBC are increasing over time. PBC was not found to be associated with smoking, age at menarche, age at first pregnancy or number of pregnancies.