The Importance of Serum Bile Acid Level Analysis and Treatment With Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a severely pruritic form of reversible cholestasis that is associated with significant fetal risks. Because precise diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines are lacking, we performed a retrospective investigation of dermatologic and biochemical features, treatment, and neonatal outcome in patients with ICP seen from 2000 through 2005 at a university-based dermatologic hospital in central Europe. OBSERVATIONS: The 13 observed cases of ICP (11 patients) represented 6% of all pregnancy-associated dermatoses at our department. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy started at a mean+/-SD of 30+/-4 weeks' gestation, with pruritus as the leading symptom, followed by secondary skin lesions in 11 cases (85%). Total serum bile acid levels were markedly elevated in all patients and correlated with impaired fetal prognosis. Only 10 cases (77%) had other liver function test result abnormalities. Fetal distress occurred in 3 pregnancies (23%). In the 10 cases treated with ursodeoxycholic acid, 3 (30%) involved preterm deliveries compared with a 100% preterm delivery rate in the cases not treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Severe pruritus with or without skin changes in the second half of pregnancy should alert the physician to the possibility of ICP. Elevated total serum bile acid levels are the clue to diagnosis, which should be established as early as possible. Close obstetric surveillance and prompt treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid are warranted.