Intrahepatic Cholestasis Of Pregnancy

OVERVIEW

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) refers to a liver disorder that occurs in pregnant women. Intrahepatic cholestasis is a condition in which bile can not flow out from the liver, ultimately building up in liver cells and disrupting liver function.

WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?

Chief Complaints: 

  • Pruritus: generalized itching is a common complaint by patients

History Of Present Illness:

Location of itching: often on palms/soles of feet

  • Itching is often worse at night.
CLINICAL WORKUP

Liver function tests can show elevated aminotransferases

Serum total bile acids: these can be elevated in patients (may sometimes be the only finding)

Hepatitis panel: liver viruses often need to be ruled out when working up this issue. ICP is a diagnosis of exclusion.

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 10.18.2016