Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: from an obstetrician point of view

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2022 Oct;42(7):2550-2557. doi: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2081801. Epub 2022 Jun 6.

Abstract

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the commonest among the specific dermatoses of pregnancy. The disease is characterised by intense pruritus and specifically by elevated bile acid levels and owing to the rarity of data published in this context, the disease carries a great challenge in both diagnosis and management. The disease is associated with significant maternal as well as perinatal adverse effects, hence, this article aims at improving the knowledge of the women's health carers with the up-to-date and evidence-based, whenever possible, recommendations while managing patients with ICP.

Keywords: Intrahepatic cholestasis; bile salts; foetal demise; meconium stained; premature birth; ursodeoxycholic acid.

MeSH terms

  • Bile Acids and Salts
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic* / diagnosis
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Obstetricians
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications* / chemically induced
  • Pregnancy Complications* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications* / therapy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid / adverse effects

Substances

  • Bile Acids and Salts
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Supplementary concepts

  • Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy