Pregnancy Intrahepatic Cholestasis

Excerpt

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common liver disease specific to pregnancy. ICP is an inflammatory disease of multifactorial etiology; the disease typically presents with new-onset pruritus, typically in the second and third trimesters, and elevated bile acids. The effects of ICP are secondary to the accumulation of bile acids within certain tissues, which leads to pruritus.

The negative fetal effects are thought to be due to the accumulation of the bile acids within the placenta. The fetal and neonatal risks include an increased risk of stillbirth as well as an increased risk of preterm birth, birth asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, and meconium-stained fluid. Maternal risks include pruritus as well as an increased risk of the development of preeclampsia.