Of note, the presence of colitis appears to be associated with a greater risk of liver disease progression and bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) development, although this relationship remains poorly understood. Close monitoring of PSC patients is vital. Various forms of gallbladder disease such as gallstones and gallbladder polyps are also common in those with PSC. Approximately 25% of people with PSC have gallstones. Ultrasound surveillance of the gallbladder every year is recommended for people with PSC. Any person with PSC who is found to have a mass in the gallbladder should undergo surgical removal of the gallbladder due to the high risk of cholangiocarcinoma. Osteoporosis (hepatic osteodystrophy) and hypothyroidism are also associated with PSC.A 2–3:1 male-to-female predilection occurs in primary sclerosing cholangitis. PSC can affect men and women at any age, although it is commonly diagnosed in the fourth decade of life, most often in the presence of IBD. PSC progresses slowly and is often asymptomatic, so it can be present for years before it is diagnosed and before it causes clinically significant consequences. Relatively few data are available on the prevalence and incidence of PSC, with studies in different countries showing annual incidence of 0.068–1.3 per 100,000 people and prevalence 0.22–8.5 per 100,000; given that PSC is closely linked with ulcerative colitis, the risk is likely higher in populations where UC is more common. In the United States, an estimated 29,000 individuals have PSC. Research
Although no curative treatment is known, several clinical trials are underway that aim to slow progression of this liver disease.
Obeticholic acid is being investigated as a possible treatment for PSC due to its antifibrotic effects. Simtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody against the profibrotic enzyme LOXL2 that is being developed as a possible therapy for PSC. Notable cases
Chris Klug – professional snowboarder with PSC who had liver transplant
Chris LeDoux – professional rodeo rider and country musician with PSC who died of cholangiocarcinoma
Elena Baltacha – British professional tennis player, diagnosed with PSC at age 19 and died five months after being diagnosed with PSC-associated liver cancer (specifically cholangiocarcinoma) at the age of 30
Walter Payton – died of complications of PSC
Kieron Dyer – professional footballer
James Redford – director and son of Robert Redford who underwent two liver transplants due to PSC

References
External links
Patient support organizations:

www.pscpartners.org—based in the US
www.pscpartners.ca—based in Canada
www.pscsupport.org.au—based in Australia
www.pscsupport.org.uk—based in the UK