Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis

Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) is a rare condition that affects the liver. People with this condition experience episodes of cholestasis, during which the liver cells have a reduced ability to release bile (a digestive fluid). Episodes generally begin in the late teens or early twenties and may be accompanied by jaundice, severe itchiness, a vague feeling of discomfort (malaise), irritability, nausea, vomiting, and a lack of appetite. There are two forms of BRIC which are classified based on the genetic cause of the condition. BRIC1 is caused by changes (mutations) in the ATP8B1 gene and BRIC2 is caused by mutations in the ABCB11 gene. Both follow an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Treatment of BRIC may include medications to manage symptoms and specialized therapies (i.e. nasobiliary drainage) to shorten episodes.