Verbally reported fatigue as a subjective complaint was noted in 156 patients (48%) but found in the majority on PBC-40 completion: mild in 159 (49%), moderate in 92 (28%), and severe in 51 (16%). Of the 167 patients (52%) who did not verbally report fatigue, at questionnaire the symptom was noted as being mild in 63% (n = 105), moderate in 17% (n = 28), and severe in 8% (n = 13) (Fig. 2). Patients who had verbally reported fatigue did, however, have significantly higher scores than those with no verbally reported fatigue (32.4 ± 10.5 versus 22.7 ± 9.8, P < 0.001) (Table 4). Twenty-one patients (6.5%) did not report any fatigue at questionnaire, most of whom were asymptomatic at diagnosis of PBC (n = 18). These patients were not

clinically depressed or receiving medications associated with fatigue (such as beta-blockers or antidepressants), and only four patients reported associated autoimmune disease. Selleckchem MK-3475 Univariate analysis was performed learn more to identify clinical or laboratory markers of fatigue (Table 4). It was noted that a patient’s BMI was positively associated with fatigue (r = 0.17; P = 0.002), whereas those patients who were younger at diagnosis had greater fatigue (r = −.16; P = 0.005). The association

of fatigue with disease markers was mixed, likely representing varying confounding factors. Sixty-six patients (20%) reported pruritus at the time of questionnaire, and this was associated with higher fatigue scores than those who did not report itch (32.9 ± 11.1 versus 26.0 ± 10.8, P < 0.001). Our average disease duration was just over 7 years, and notably, if patients were fatigued at presentation they were more likely to remain fatigued at the time of questionnaire (P < 0.001). For those diagnosed with noncirrhotic disease, fatigue was more frequent

(P = 0.005). However, at the time of questionnaire, the presence of varices (P = 0.034) or cirrhosis on imaging (P = 0.031) was associated with higher fatigue scores, confirming a complex interrelationship between disease severity and fatigue. Amongst associated autoimmune diseases, scleroderma/calcinosis Raynaud esophagus sclerosis teleangiectasiae was significantly associated with increased fatigue scores (P = 0.022), whereas other autoimmune disorders were not. The presence of fibromyalgia (P = 0.004) and depression (P < 0.001) were similarly associated with fatigue, as was the cumulative number 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 of medical conditions (P = 0.017). Those with two or more co-morbidities had significantly higher fatigue scores (0-1: 26.3 ± 11 versus >2: 29.5 ± 11.5, P = 0.017). Surrogate markers associated by univariate analysis with a higher fatigue score were use of antipruritics (cholestyramine P < 0.001 and rifampin P < 0.001), proton pump inhibitor prescription (PPI) (P = 0.002), beta-blocker use (P = 0.017), and antidepressant medication (P < 0.001). Patients taking more than three medications were more fatigued than those who were not (29.4 ± 11 versus 25.7 ± 11.2; P = 0.003).