New Insights on Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Annarosa Floreani1, Maria Teresa Gervasi2

  • 1Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, Padova 35128, Italy.

Clinics in Liver Disease
|November 24, 2015
PubMed

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is characterized by maternal pruritus, and elevated serum transaminases and bile acids. Genetic defects in at least 6 canalicular transporters have been found. Association studies stress the variability of genotypes, different penetrance, and influence of environmental factors. Serum autotaxin is a sensitive, specific, and robust diagnostic marker. Elevated maternal bile acids correlate with fetal complications. Long-term sequelae for mothers include the gallstone risk and chronic liver disease. There is an association between ICP and hepatitis C. Current treatment is ursodeoxycholic acid, owing to benefits on pruritus, liver function, safety, and decreased rates of adverse effects.

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