INTRAHEPATIC CHOLESTASIS OF PREGNANCY: CURRENT CONCEPTS

Abstract

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a pathology which is characterized by pruritus and elevated serum bile acid levels. Its frequency varies according to geographic areas and ethnic groups, reaching low levels in countries like the United States and high levels in scandinavian and Latin American countries. It has been shown that fetuses from mothers with this diagnosis are at higher risk of developing serious complications like premature births and stillbirths. Currently management is based on the use of ursodeoxycholic acid to relieve symptoms and normalize the biochemical alterations, together with the recommendation of ending the current pregnancy at 37 weeks to prevent fetal complications.