PBC is not a terminal illness

• David Bernstein, M.D.

  • Chief, Division of Gastroenterology

  • North Shore University Hospital

  • Manhasset, NY

Question:  Is PBC considered a terminal illness?

Answer:  No, a terminal illness is generally considered a disease which leads to a rapid and sometimes painful death. There is no surviving a terminal illness. Terminal illness generally refers to cancers. PBC is a very slowly progressive disease which may not lead to death. In that regard and only that regard, PBC is no different from heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, hypertension. Most people with PBC live to a ripe old age and may not be adversely affected by the disorder. Therefore, PBC does not fit any of the criteria of a terminal illness. I would not include this term in any description of PBC. PBC patients have hope for improved therapies and long term survival. Patients with a terminal illness have lost all hope of cure or survival.

By the way, cirrhosis itself is also not a terminal disease. Many people with cirrhosis will live a long term and not be affected by there disease. We as people need hope for without hope we are already dead.