Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy poses a great risk to both maternal and fetal health. Despite extensive research, much of the pathogenesis of this disorder is unknown. The increase in bile acids observed in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy has been noted to cause a change in the immune system from the normally mediated TH2 response to one that is more oriented towards TH1. In this literature review, we have critically reviewed the current literature regarding the changes in the immune system and the potential effects of immunological changes in the management of the patient. The current treatment, ursodeoxycholic acid, is also discussed along with potential combination therapies and future directions for research.
Keywords: S-adenosylmethionine; T-lymphocytes; bile acids; intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; ursodeoxycholic acid.