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Copyright: ©Author(s) 2026. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. No commercial re-use. See permissions. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
World J Gastroenterol. Nov 7, 2026; 32(41): 121544
Published online Nov 7, 2026. doi: 10.3748/wjg.121544
Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis: From childhood to adulthood
Ali Islek, Serap Ketenci İşlek, Gokhan Tumgor
Ali Islek, Gokhan Tumgor, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Cukurova University School of Medicine, Adana 01330, Türkiye
Serap Ketenci İşlek, Department of Pediatric Genetic, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Türkiye
Author contributions: Islek A and Tumgor G contributed to the conception and design of the study, performed the literature review and drafted the manuscript; İşlek SK contributed to the genetic interpretation and provided critical input on molecular aspects of the study; Tumgor G contributed to clinical interpretation with a focus on pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology and critically revised the manuscript; all authors contributed to data interpretation, critically revised the manuscript for important intellectual content, and approved the final version of the manuscript.
AI contribution statement: ChatGPT, Grammarly, and DeepL were used for English spelling and grammar correction. AI was used only for English language correction. Figure 1 was created with the aid of artificial intelligence. All AI-generated images were reviewed, verified, and approved by the authors, who take full responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the final content.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Corresponding author: Gokhan Tumgor, MD, Professor, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Cukurova University School of Medicine, South Campus Street, Balcalı village, 15/10 Saricam, Adana 01330, Türkiye. gtumgor74@yahoo.com
Received: March 27, 2026
Revised: May 25, 2026
Accepted: June 8, 2026
Published online: November 7, 2026
Processing time: 172 Days and 3.7 Hours
Core Tip

Core Tip: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a genetically and mechanistically diverse group of cholestatic liver disorders whose clinical spectrum spans from childhood well into adulthood. The disease classification has evolved from a numerical system to a mechanism-based framework encompassing defects in canalicular transport, membrane stability, tight junction integrity, intracellular trafficking, and bile acid regulation. This comprehensive review underscores the significance of integrating early genetic testing with biochemical patterns, particularly gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, for accurate diagnosis. Genotype-phenotype correlations and extrahepatic manifestations are essential for prognostic assessment and individualized management. Emerging targeted therapies, including ileal bile acid transporter inhibitors, support a mechanism-driven approach to PFIC.

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