Survey uncovering variations in the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis across Europe

Background & Aims: Data on the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in European expert centres are sparse. In this study, a PSC group from the ERN RARE-LIVER surveyed European hepatologists to uncover differences in real-life clinical practices. Methods: In April 2020 a survey questionnaire was sent to members of the International PSC Study Group and ERN RARE-LIVER. Participants were asked about the size of their PSC cohort, use of medical treatments including ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and surveillance for cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder polyps and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Data were presented descriptively. Results: Eighty-two of 278 members responded. Fifty percent of physicians prescribed UDCA routinely to all their patients with PSC, whereas 12% never prescribed UDCA. UDCA was used for one or more indications including: alkaline phosphatase >1.5x the upper limit of normal, severe PSC changes, pruritus, PSC-IBD or patient demand. Few physicians offered other medical treatments than UDCA. The use of medical treatments was generally comparable in small (