Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Intrahepatic cholestasis is a liver condition usually sets in late pregnancy. It is manifested as a bout of intense itching but without any rashes on hands and feets mostly but can be on other parts also.

SymptomsCholecystitis Symptoms Causes Treatment
  • Severe itching on palms and soles.
  • No rashes
  • Itching worsening at night
  • Begins usually on third trimester of pregnancy
  • Jaundice
  • Nausea
  • Decrease appetite
Causes

Clear cut causes of this condition is not known. However, variety of factors affects its occurrence like of hereditary, environmental or hormonal factors. As the hormones peaks during the late pregnancy it causes bile duct to get narrow resulting in the building up of bile in organ. After that bile salts enter in the blood stream it makes skin itchy.

Complications
  • Blood clotting problems in mother
  • Preterm birth
  • Lung problems in babies
  • Still birth
Diagnosis

Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of patient. Along with that blood tests and liver function test.

Treatment

Treatment options include

  • Medications to ease itching are prescribed like ursodiol (Actigall, Urso, Urso Forte).
  • Tests are done to make sure the health of baby like nonstress testing, Fetal biophysical profile (BPP), Early induction of labor ( because of the risk of still births)
Home Remedies
  • Soak your palms or other areas of itching in cold water to ease itching
  • Icing on the areas
  • Oat meal baths
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