Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a complication in 0·2–2% of pregnancies,1 causing pruritis and increased serum bile acids, liver transaminases, and, occasionally, bilirubin. It has been associated with severe adverse pregnancy outcomes, including fetal distress, spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm birth, and stillbirth,1 for which no effective treatment is yet known.2 Ursodeoxycholic acid, which is regularly prescribed, improves biochemical parameters and reduces, although on a limited scale (evidence is conflicting), pruritis.
Original Article: [Comment] Management of intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy