The PSC Trust are hoping to set up the first DNA database which will be made available to all GPs and hospitals for immediate diagnosis of people suffering from PSC, and are looking for volunteers to participate in their epidemiology study.

Although Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) has been known for over 45 years, very little is known and research into causes or methods for diagnosis of PSC. PSC is chronic cholestatic liver disease of, as of yet, unknown origin that is progressive in most symptomatic patients, advancing toward cirrhosis and liver failure.

Liver transplantation is the only therapeutic option for patients with end stage liver disease resulting from this disorder. The causes of the disease are unknown.  It was once considered a rare disease, but recent studies show it is more common than previously thought; in the UK alone there are an estimated 37,000 sufferers. About 70% of the patients with PSC also have an inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis in which the colon becomes inflamed and ulcerated which causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bleeding and increased risk of stomach cancer. Mostly men/women, aged 17 – 25 and 45 – 65 suffer from this degenerative chronic progressive disease.

The PSC Trust hope to set up a first DNA data base which will be available to all GPs and hospitals for immediate diagnosis of people suffering from PSC unlike at the moment it is more a question of luck and the ability of the consultant.

The Trust need volunteers to help raise £50,000 – we have £15,000 already, and  they also need people to participate in our epidemiology study.

For more information, visit the PSC Trust website at this link