Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3) is a rare condition that affects the liver. People with this condition generally develop signs and symptoms during late infancy or early childhood, which may include severe itching, jaundice, failure to thrive, portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the vein that provides blood to the liver) and hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen). The condition may progress to liver failure during childhood or adulthood. PFIC3 is caused by change (mutations) in the _ABCB4 _gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Treatment may include ursodeoxycholic acid therapy to prevent liver damage, surgery and/or liver transplantation.