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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
09:39
Creation of Reversible Cholestatic Rat Model
Published on: May 21, 2011
Cholestasis of pregnancy
Bhuvan Pathak1, Lili Sheibani, Richard H Lee
1Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, IRD, Room 203, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
|August 6, 2010
Summary
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a liver condition diagnosed by itching and abnormal liver tests. Early delivery around 37 weeks is recommended due to risks, though no medication prevents fetal death.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hepatology
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a multifactorial liver disease with variable prevalence.
- Diagnosis involves pruritus and abnormal liver function tests.
- ICP is linked to significant adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth, meconium passage, and fetal demise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis, risks, and management of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
- To discuss the current understanding of fetal death causes in ICP.
- To outline recommendations for delivery timing and medical management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and associated perinatal risks.
- Evaluation of treatment efficacy for maternal symptoms and perinatal outcomes.
Main Results:
- ICP diagnosis relies on pruritus and abnormal liver tests.
- High risk for adverse perinatal outcomes, with fetal death being a concern.
- Ursodeoxycholic acid improves maternal symptoms but does not reduce fetal death risk.
Conclusions:
- Delivery around 37 weeks is suggested to mitigate risks associated with ICP.
- The etiology of fetal death in ICP remains unclear.
- Current treatments manage maternal symptoms but not fetal mortality.
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