Clinical grading of intrahepatic cholestasis pregnancy

JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2013 Apr-Jun;52(190):413-9.

Abstract

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the pregnancy induced liver disorder causing intense itching of palm, sole or even whole body especially in the evening at late second and third trimester. This disease is categorized into mild and severe ICP according to raised level of LFT including serum level of bile acid and cholic acid. ICP has less morbidity to mother but significant risk to fetus in uterus. The predisposing element to cause intense pruritus is because of high amount of bile acid in maternal serum. Toxic bile acids affect fetal cardiomyocytes retained in fetus body causing sudden intrauterine fetal death. ICP is commonly found in winter months and mostly itching of body occurs in the evening after sunset. Fetus in uterus is unsafe if mother's bile acid exceeds normal value. ICP is successfully treated with Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), S-adenosyl methionine (SAME), Dexamethasone and vitamin K.

MeSH terms

  • Bile Acids and Salts / blood
  • Cholagogues and Choleretics / therapeutic use
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / complications
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / diagnosis*
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / drug therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Phosphatidylcholines / therapeutic use
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Second
  • Pruritus / blood
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Bile Acids and Salts
  • Cholagogues and Choleretics
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Supplementary concepts

  • Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy