Benign Recurrent Intrahepatic Cholestasis in Pregnancy: Fetal Death at 36 Weeks of Gestation

Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis is a rare hepatologic disorder characterized by recurrent, self-limited episodes of severe pruritus, jaundice, and elevated bile acids. While there are guidelines for the management of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, the literature regarding benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis and pregnancy is limited.

A 29-year-old G1P0 woman, with history of liver toxicity, had elevated total serum bile acid levels and liver enzymes documented at 8 weeks of gestation and throughout her pregnancy. She had a reactive nonstress test just 3 days prior to her induction. Fetal demise was noted when she presented at 36 weeks for her induction.

We recommend that women with elevated total serum bile acid early in pregnancy due to a separate entity relative to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy be managed in a more individualized approach.