Neuropsychiatric Characteristics Associated with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Abstract

Patients suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis and a control group of patients with Crohn's disease were compared with respect to neuropsychological, psychiatric and psychosocial functioning. While the two groups did not differ on tests of intelligence, the primary biliary cirrhosis patients evidenced significant deficits on certain measures of functional neuropsychological capacity, including attentional, visuospatial and perceptual-motor abilities. These patients also reported several behavioral impairments consequential to their illness, although their emotional and psychiatric status were relatively unimpaired. In addition, the similarities in neuropsychological functioning of primary biliary cirrhosis patients and individuals suffering from chronic alcoholic cirrhosis are discussed. The results of this investigation underscore the importance of a neuropsychiatric evaluation as part of a comprehensive diagnostic workup and medical management program for patients with chronic liver disease.