Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

World J Gastroenterol. 2009 May 7;15(17):2049-66. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.2049.

Abstract

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver disorder characterized by maternal pruritus in the third trimester, raised serum bile acids and increased rates of adverse fetal outcomes. The etiology of ICP is complex and not fully understood, but it is likely to result from the cholestatic effects of reproductive hormones and their metabolites in genetically susceptible women. Equally unclear are the mechanisms by which the fetal complications occur. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, etiology and management of ICP.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / diagnosis
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / epidemiology
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / etiology*
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / physiopathology*
  • Environment
  • Female
  • Fetal Death / prevention & control
  • Fetus / physiology
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Pruritus / etiology