Which condition can lead to jaundice and fatigue, in addition to elevated alkaline phosphatase levels?

Primary biliary cholangitis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the small bile ducts in the liver. It leads to a progressive destruction of these ducts, resulting in cholestasis—the reduction or stoppage of bile flow. This condition is characterized by elevated alkaline phosphatase levels due to the impaired flow of bile, which contributes to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, manifesting as jaundice. Fatigue is also a common symptom and can be attributed to the chronic nature of the disease, as well as associated nutritional deficiencies and metabolic changes.

Cholestatic jaundice often distinguishes primary biliary cholangitis from other liver diseases. The presence of elevated alkaline phosphatase, along with symptoms like jaundice and fatigue, strongly points toward this diagnosis, as opposed to acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cholelithiasis where the alkaline phosphatase levels may not be as significantly elevated or where the primary symptoms might differ. For example, acute hepatitis typically presents with higher transaminases rather than alkaline phosphatase, while cirrhosis is more associated with portal hypertension symptoms. Cholelithiasis can also cause jaundice but more commonly presents with right upper quadrant pain and may be due to gallstone