What Is Cholestasis Of Pregnancy And What Are Its Symptoms?
Cholestasis of pregnancy, also known as gestational intrahepatic cholestasis (ICP) is a liver disease that is only experienced in the gestational period. In most populations, the incidence is highly variable, but ranges from 1 case per 300 to 2000 inhabitants.
Fortunately, this pathology is reversed after giving birth in sick women. In any case, as we will see in later lines, there is an enormous relapse rate if the patient becomes pregnant again, with a much worse etiology and prognosis.
What is cholestasis of pregnancy?
Cholestasis of pregnancy is a disease that affects the liver of pregnant women, especially from the third trimester of pregnancy. As indicated by the Cedars Sinai portal , in this clinical picture the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine is impeded or impeded.
The gallbladder is located just below the liver and bile itself is synthesized in it, so it is therefore considered a disease of an intrahepatic nature. Bile is produced continuously in the liver and in interdigestive periods it is stored in the gallbladder. The gallbladder concentrates and stores it, but it is not responsible for synthesizing it.
The incidence is estimated to be 1-2 pregnancies per 1000 pregnant women, but there seems to be a clear genetic predisposition. For example, women of Latino ethnicities have a 5% probability of developing cholestasis during pregnancy, while in native women of Andean populations the risk increases to 25%.
According to the Journal of Clinical Medicine, in North America and Australia the respective incidences are 1 and 2% of all pregnant women. The chances of developing this pathology increase with subsequent pregnancies.
Symptoms of cholestasis of pregnancy
As the Mayo Clinic indicates , the main symptom of cholestasis of pregnancy is very evident itching in pregnant women, without rashes. In general, this unpleasant itch appears in the second or third trimester (about 30 weeks), being more evident on the palms of the hands and feet.
In addition, up to 15% of affected women may have mild jaundice. It consists of a slight yellow color of the skin, which is more evident in the whites of the eyes. This sign denotes that the bile is not being synthesized or eliminated correctly.
Bile contains significant amounts of bilirubin, a yellowish pigment that comes from the degeneration of hemoglobin in degraded red blood cells. As it cannot be eliminated, it accumulates in the tissues, at a minimum concentration of 2.5 milligrams per deciliter to change its color.
According to the Statpearls portal , the prevalence of jaundice in patients is higher, since it could reach 25% of sick pregnant women. In addition, it is estimated that it usually develops 1-4 weeks after the onset of the itch.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy