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Farisoğullari N, Tanaçan A, Sakcak B, Denizli R, Başaran E, Kara Ö, Yazihan N, Şahin D. Evaluation of maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor C and D levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164:979-984. [PMID: 37680091 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) C and D levels in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). METHODS A total of 83 patients, including 41 patients with ICP and 42 healthy pregnant women, were included in the study. We first compared the maternal serum VEGF-C and VEGF-D levels between the ICP and control groups and then examined the correlation between the serum VEGF-C level and the bile acid level in patients with severe ICP. RESULTS We observed statistically significantly higher serum VEGF-C levels and lower VEGF-D levels in the ICP group compared with the healthy controls (P < 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimal cutoff value for ICP was 147 ng/mL in the determination of the VEGF-C level (specificity and sensitivity: 76%). In patients with severe ICP, the serum VEGF-C statistically significantly correlated with the bile acid level (P = 0.019). CONCLUSION This study showed that the maternal serum VEGF-C level was higher and the VEGF-D level was lower in patients with ICP compared with healthy pregnant women. We also found that the VEGF-C level was correlated with the serum bile acid level in patients with severe ICP. Serum VEGF-C level can be used in the diagnosis and follow-up of intrahepatic pregnancy cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihat Farisoğullari
- Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Atakan Tanaçan
- Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bedri Sakcak
- Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Denizli
- Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Başaran
- Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özgür Kara
- Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nuray Yazihan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Internal Medicine, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dilek Şahin
- Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara City Hospital, Turkish Ministry of Health, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
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Sahni A, Jogdand SD. Effects of Intrahepatic Cholestasis on the Foetus During Pregnancy. Cureus 2022; 14:e30657. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Yurtcu N, Caliskan CS, Guvey H, Celik S, Hatirnaz S, Tinelli A. Predictive and Diagnostic Value of Serum Adipokines in Pregnant Women with Intrahepatic Cholestasis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042254. [PMID: 35206438 PMCID: PMC8871533 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the value of serum leptin, adiponectin, apelin, and ghrelin as biomarkers for the prediction and diagnosis of intra-hepatic cholestasis (ICP). This prospective study included pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy: 63 with ICP, 48 and 15 of whom had mild and severe disease, respectively, and 32 as controls. ICP women had increased median levels of serum leptin, adiponectin, apelin, and ghrelin compared to the controls (p < 0.05). These biomarkers meaningfully changed regarding the severity of ICP: While leptin was reduced, apelin and ghrelin were increased, and adiponectin was increased somewhat. To predict and diagnose ICP, the predictive values of serum leptin, adiponectin, and apelin need to be accepted as comparable, with moderate to high sensitivity and specificity; however, the predictive value of serum ghrelin was somewhat lower. More research is needed to clarify the potential properties of adipokines to gain acceptance as a predictive or diagnostic biomarker for ICP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazan Yurtcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sivas Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine, Sivas 58140, Turkey
- Correspondence:
| | - Canan Soyer Caliskan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, Samsun 55270, Turkey; (C.S.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Huri Guvey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Private Kütahya Parkhayat Hospital, Kütahya 43100, Turkey;
| | - Samettin Celik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, Samsun 55270, Turkey; (C.S.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Safak Hatirnaz
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Medicana International Hospital, Samsun 55080, Turkey;
| | - Andrea Tinelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Veris delli Ponti Hospital, 73020 Lecce, Italy;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Experimental Endoscopic Surgery, Imaging, Technology and Minimally Invasive Therapy, Vito Fazzi Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Phystech BioMed School, Faculty of Biological & Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, State University, 141701 Moscow, Russia
- Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
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Walker KF, Chappell LC, Hague WM, Middleton P, Thornton JG. Pharmacological interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 7:CD000493. [PMID: 32716060 PMCID: PMC7389072 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd000493.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a liver disorder that can develop in pregnancy. It occurs when there is a build-up of bile acids in the maternal blood. It has been linked to adverse maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes. As the pathophysiology is poorly understood, therapies have been largely empiric. As ICP is an uncommon condition (incidence less than 2% a year), many trials have been small. Synthesis, including recent larger trials, will provide more evidence to guide clinical practice. This review is an update of a review first published in 2001 and last updated in 2013. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of pharmacological interventions to treat women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. SEARCH METHODS For this update, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (13 December 2019), and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials, including cluster-randomised trials and trials published in abstract form only, that compared any drug with placebo or no treatment, or two drug intervention strategies, for women with a clinical diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The review authors independently assessed trials for eligibility and risks of bias. We independently extracted data and checked these for accuracy. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 26 trials involving 2007 women. They were mostly at unclear to high risk of bias. They assessed nine different pharmacological interventions, resulting in 14 different comparisons. We judged two placebo-controlled trials of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in 715 women to be at low risk of bias. The ten different pharmacological interventions were: agents believed to detoxify bile acids (UCDA) and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe); agents used to bind bile acids in the intestine (activated charcoal, guar gum, cholestyramine); Chinese herbal medicines (yinchenghao decoction (YCHD), salvia, Yiganling and Danxioling pill (DXLP)), and agents aimed to reduce bile acid production (dexamethasone) Compared with placebo, UDCA probably results in a small improvement in pruritus score measured on a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) (mean difference (MD) -7.64 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) -9.69 to -5.60 points; 2 trials, 715 women; GRADE moderate certainty), where a score of zero indicates no itch and a score of 100 indicates severe itching. The evidence for fetal distress and stillbirth were uncertain, due to serious limitations in study design and imprecision (risk ratio (RR) 0.70, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.40; 6 trials, 944 women; RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.37; 6 trials, 955 women; GRADE very low certainty). We found very few differences for the other comparisons included in this review. There is insufficient evidence to indicate if SAMe, guar gum, activated charcoal, dexamethasone, cholestyramine, Salvia, Yinchenghao decoction, Danxioling and Yiganling, or Yiganling alone or in combination are effective in treating women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS When compared with placebo, UDCA administered to women with ICP probably shows a reduction in pruritus. However the size of the effect is small and for most pregnant women and clinicians, the reduction may fall below the minimum clinically worthwhile effect. The evidence was unclear for other adverse fetal outcomes, due to very low-certainty evidence. There is insufficient evidence to indicate that SAMe, guar gum, activated charcoal, dexamethasone, cholestyramine, YCHD, DXLP, Salvia, Yiganling alone or in combination are effective in treating women with cholestasis of pregnancy. There are no trials of the efficacy of topical emollients. Further high-quality trials of other interventions are needed in order to identify effective treatments for maternal itching and preventing adverse perinatal outcomes. It would also be helpful to identify those women who are mostly likely to respond to UDCA (for example, whether bile acid concentrations affect how women with ICP respond to treatment with UDCA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate F Walker
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lucy C Chappell
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - William M Hague
- Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Philippa Middleton
- Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jim G Thornton
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Abstract
The aim of the present work was to determine maternal and fetal outcomes of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in twin pregnancies. All twin pregnancies delivered above 28 gestational weeks in West China Second University Hospital from January 2013 to May 2015 were included. Data on maternal demographics and obstetric complications together with fetal outcomes were collected. The risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes were determined in relation to ICP by crude odds ratios (OR) and adjusted ORs (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analysis concentrated on the effect of assisted reproductive technology (ART), ICP severity, and onset time. A total of 1,472 twin pregnancies were included, of which 362 were cholestasis patients and 677 were conceived by ART. Higher rates of preeclampsia (aOR 1.96; 95% CI 1.35, 2.85), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (aOR 3.10; 95% CI 2.10, 4.61), and preterm deliveries (aOR 3.20; 95% CI 2.35, 4.37) were observed in ICP patients. Subgroup analysis revealed higher incidences of adverse outcomes in severe and early onset ICP groups. In conclusion, adverse maternal and fetal outcomes were strongly associated with ICP in twin patients. Active management and close antenatal monitoring are needed, especially in the early onset and severe groups.
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Huang G, Liu Z, He M, Wang X. Reduced plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone levels during late gestation in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2014; 78:168-72. [PMID: 25059485 DOI: 10.1159/000363745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) may lead to sudden onset of stillbirth, which most likely is related to uteroplacental insufficiency and dysregulation of the fetal blood supply. The relaxing effect of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) on blood vessels was measured to examine the role of CRH in the pathogenesis of ICP. METHODS Eighty normal pregnant women and 80 ICP patients were divided into four groups of 20 cases, respectively, each based on gestational age from week 34 to 37. Radioimmunoassay was used to measure CRH in plasma samples collected from all of the subjects. RESULTS Plasma CRH increased markedly from week 34 to 37 in both ICP and healthy patients, but the increase was lower in the ICP group. Plasma CRH was 322 ± 61 pg/ml in mild ICP cases at 37 weeks' compared to 1,066 ± 173 pg/ml in controls (p < 0.05), but only 218 ± 128 pg/ml in severe ICP (p < 0.05). Plasma CRH was significantly lower at all other measured time points in patients with severe ICP. In ICP patients, there was a negative correlation between plasma CRH and total bile acid (TBA). CONCLUSION A limited increasing CRH level and negative correlation of CRH with TBA were unveiled in ICP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiqiong Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Key Laboratory of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
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Immunomodulatory effects by oral contraceptives in normal and cholestatic female rats: Role of cytokines. Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 21:10-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Gurung V, Stokes M, Middleton P, Milan SJ, Hague W, Thornton JG. Interventions for treating cholestasis in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013; 2013:CD000493. [PMID: 23794285 PMCID: PMC7043272 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd000493.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstetric cholestasis has been linked to adverse maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes. As the pathophysiology is poorly understood, therapies have been empiric. The first version of this review, published in 2001, and including nine randomised controlled trials involving 227 women, concluded that there was insufficient evidence to recommend any of the interventions alone or in combination. This is the first update. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of therapeutic and delivery interventions in women with cholestasis of pregnancy. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (20 February 2013) and reference lists of identified studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials that compared two intervention strategies for women with a clinical diagnosis of obstetric cholestasis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The review authors independently assessed trials for eligibility and risk of bias. We independently extracted data and checked these for accuracy. MAIN RESULTS We included 21 trials with a total of 1197 women. They were mostly at moderate to high risk of bias. They assessed 11 different interventions resulting in 15 different comparisons.Compared with placebo, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) showed improvement in pruritus in five (228 women) out of seven trials. There were no significant differences in instances of fetal distress in the UDCA groups compared with placebo (average risk ratio (RR) 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22 to 2.02; five trials, 304 women; random-effects analysis: T² = 0.74; I² = 48%). There were significantly fewer total preterm births with UDCA (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.73; two trials, 179 women). The difference for spontaneous preterm births was not significant (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.41 to 2.36, two trials, 109 women).Two trials (48 women) reported lower (better) pruritus scores for S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) compared with placebo, while two other trials of 34 women reported no significant differences between groups.UDCA was more effective in improving pruritus than either SAMe (four trials; 133 women) or cholestyramine (one trial; 84 women), as was combined UDCA+SAMe when compared with placebo (one trial; 16 women) and SAMe alone (two trials; 68 women). However, combined UDCA+SAMe was no more effective than UDCA alone in regard to pruritus improvement (one trial; 53 women) and two trials (80 women) reported data were insufficient to draw any conclusions from. In one trial comparing UDCA and dexamethasone (83 women), a significant improvement with UDCA was seen only in a subgroup of women with severe obstetric cholestasis (23 women).Danxiaoling significantly improved pruritus in comparison to Yiganling. No significant differences were seen in pruritus improvement with other interventions.Eight trials reported fetal or neonatal deaths, with two deaths reported overall (both in the placebo groups).Women receiving UDCA and cholestyramine experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Guar gum caused mild abdominal distress, diarrhoea and flatulence during the first days of treatment. Women found charcoal suspension unpleasant to swallow. Dexamethasone caused nausea, dizziness and stomach pain in one woman.One trial (62 women) looked at the timing of delivery intervention. There were no stillbirths or neonatal deaths in 'early delivery' or the 'await spontaneous labour' group. There were no significant differences in the rates of caesarean section, meconium passage or admission to neonatal intensive care unit between the two groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Different approaches to assessing and reporting pruritus precluded pooling of trials comparing the effects of UDCA versus placebo on pruritus, but examination of individual trials suggests that UDCA significantly improves pruritus, albeit by a small amount. Fewer instances of fetal distress/asphyxial events were seen in the UDCA groups when compared with placebo but the difference was not statistically significant. Large trials of UDCA to determine fetal benefits or risks are needed.A single trial was too small to rule in or out a clinically important effect of early term delivery on caesarean section.There is insufficient evidence to indicate that SAMe, guar gum, activated charcoal, dexamethasone, cholestyramine, Salvia, Yinchenghao decoction (YCHD), Danxioling and Yiganling, or Yiganling alone or in combination are effective in treating women with cholestasis of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinita Gurung
- University of NottinghamDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyNottingham City Hospital NHS TrustHucknall RoadNottinghamNottinghamshireUKNG5 1PB
| | - Michael Stokes
- The University of AdelaideDiscipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology1st Floor, Queen Victoria Building, Women's and Children's Hospital72 King William RoadNorth AdelaideSAAustralia5006
| | - Philippa Middleton
- Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children, South Australian Health and Medical Research InstituteWomen's and Children's Hospital72 King William RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia5006
| | | | - William Hague
- Women's and Children's HospitalKing William RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustraliaSA 5006
| | - Jim G Thornton
- University of NottinghamDivision of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of MedicineNottingham City Hospital NHS TrustHucknall RoadNottinghamNottinghamshireUKNG5 1PB
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Chander R, Garg T, Kakkar S, Jain A. Specific Pregnancy Dermatoses in 1430 females from Northern India. J Dermatol Case Rep 2012; 5:69-73. [PMID: 22408706 DOI: 10.3315/jdcr.2011.1080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The specific dermatoses of pregnancy represent a heterogenous group of ill-defined pruritic skin diseases, unique to pregnancy and post partum period. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was epidemiological and clinical evaluation of various specific dermatoses of pregnancy. METHODS All patients visiting our antenatal clinic were screened for various pruritic skin conditions and those with specific pregnancy dermatoses were identified and evaluated. RESULTS Out of 1430 patients screened, nearly 5% (70 cases) patients had specific dermatoses of pregnancy. Intra hepatic cholestasis was the commonest specific pregnancy dermatoses. CONCLUSION Specific dermatoses of pregnancy can be diagnosed primarily on the basis of clinical features. All of these, except intra hepatic cholestasis, do not have any effect on normal course of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Chander
- Dept. of Dermatology & Venereology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, 11000, India
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Cholestasis of Pregnancy : A Prospective Study. Med J Armed Forces India 2011; 64:343-5. [PMID: 27688573 DOI: 10.1016/s0377-1237(08)80017-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2007] [Accepted: 11/26/2007] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) typically occurs during the last trimester of gestation. The most accurate marker for diagnosis and follow-up of ICP is increased total bile acid levels (above 11.0 micro mol/L) [1]. ICP is a benign disease with no consequences to the mother but it is associated with an increased rate of fetal morbidity and mortality. METHOD A prospective study was carried out in 1500 deliveries which included 27 cases of ICP. The mode of delivery, complications and fetal outcome of intrahepatic cholestasis group were compared with rest of the deliveries. Cases having pruritic lesions of skin, viral hepatitis, gall stones, autoimmune liver diseases were excluded. Random selection of 300 pregnancies in the control group was done and their liver function tests were carried out for comparison. All the patients with cholestasis of pregnancy were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. RESULT The levels of the aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase levels rose significantly (p < 0.05) in the study group. Cholestatic group did not have any significant difference in mode of delivery or fetal outcome from the control group. The patients in the study group were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid with significant relief in symptoms (p < 0.01), while improvement in serum bilirubin levels, alkaline phosphatase levels and aminotransferases levels were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION In absence of serum bile acids levels, alkaline phosphatase and aminotransferases levels may help in diagnosis and management of cholestasis of pregnancy. Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment is effective in reducing the pruritus.
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Ducroq DH, Morton MS, Shadi N, Fraser HL, Strevens C, Morris J, Thomas MA. Analysis of serum bile acids by isotope dilution-mass spectrometry to assess the performance of routine total bile acid methods. Ann Clin Biochem 2010; 47:535-40. [PMID: 20926472 DOI: 10.1258/acb.2010.010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WEQAS, one of the largest EQA (External Quality Assessment) providers in the UK, offers a bile acid EQA scheme, with linear serum pools containing cholic acid, deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid, reflecting levels observed in obstructive cholestasis. Total bile acids are currently measured routinely by non-specific enzymatic methods. Traceability of results to the SI unit utilizing reference target values is the preferred method of comparison of returned results where available, ensuring the transfer of accuracy from definitive methods to routine methods. METHODS Target values have been assigned to EQA material utilizing isotope dilution gas chromatography mass spectrometry (ID-GCMS). The methodology was based on published routine methods and adapted for use as a ID-GCMS target method. The total bile acid target value was reported as the sum of the three major bile acids measured: cholic acid, deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid. RESULTS The produced target values have been used to assess the performance of total bile acid methods. A degree of variability was observed between the third-generation enzyme-formazan methods and the fifth-generation thio-NADH methods. Additionally, the Sentinel results showed a positive bias in comparison to their peer formazan method group. CONCLUSION The use of ID-GCMS target results provides a common comparison for resumed results in EQA schemes, highlighting any method differences. Thus can then aid in the harmonisation of results observed for each of the different methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- D H Ducroq
- WEQAS Quality Laboratories, Unit 6 Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff, UK.
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Yayi H, Danqing W, Shuyun L, Jicheng L. Immunologic abnormality of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63:267-73. [PMID: 20085564 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2009.00798.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy risk because of the possibility of pre-term delivery and sudden intrauterine fetal death. Its pathogenesis is still under discussion. METHOD OF STUDY The analysis of the recent findings on the complex immunologic events that occur in ICP were performed. RESULTS In ICP, an increase of type 1 cytokine (TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma) associated with a decrease of type 2 cytokine (IL-4). The decreased production of the suppressor cytokine TGF-beta2 may increase the type 1 cytokine. Fas appeared to be increased and FasL appeared to be decreased in syncytiotrophoblasts of ICP. The human leukocyte antigen gene (HLA-G, E) in extravillous trophoblasts of ICP were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and HLA play important roles in the tolerance and maintenance of pregnancy. ICP may be resulting from breach of the maternal fetal immune tolerance during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Yayi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Dixon PH, Williamson C. The molecular genetics of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Obstet Med 2008; 1:65-71. [PMID: 27582788 DOI: 10.1258/om.2008.080010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), also known as obstetric cholestasis, causes maternal pruritus and liver impairment, and may be complicated by spontaneous preterm labour, fetal asphyxial events and intrauterine death. Our understanding of the aetiology of this disease has expanded significantly in the last decade due to a better understanding of the role played by genetic factors. In particular, advances in our knowledge of bile homeostasis has led to the identification of genes that play a considerable role in susceptibility to ICP. In this review we consider these advances and discuss the disease in the context of bile synthesis and metabolism, focusing on the genetic discoveries that have shed light on the molecular aetiology and pathophysiology of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Dixon
- Maternal and Fetal Disease Group , Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London , Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN , UK
| | - C Williamson
- Maternal and Fetal Disease Group , Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London , Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN , UK
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Zecca E, De Luca D, Barbato G, Marras M, Tiberi E, Romagnoli C. Predicting respiratory distress syndrome in neonates from mothers with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Early Hum Dev 2008; 84:337-41. [PMID: 17928172 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2007.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2006] [Revised: 04/21/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) has been associated with prematurity and fetal mortality. Recently, ICP has also been recognised as a risk factor for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in term or near-term neonates. Since fetal mortality is more frequent in pregnancies with an early ICP onset, we speculated that the time of exposure (ET) to maternal bile acids at the delivery (BAdeliv) could be involved in neonatal lung damage too. Study aim was to develop a scoring system to predict the RDS occurrence. DESIGN We conducted a retrospective analysis of 77 pregnancies complicated by ICP (years 2000-2004) looking for factors associated to the neonatal RDS. We developed a risk score as follows: RDS risk score=BAdeliv x ET/gestational age and we prospectively applied it to 30 neonates from ICP pregnancies (years 2005-2006). RESULTS ROC analysis indicated 9 as the score with the highest sensitivity (83.3%) and specificity (87.5%). Considering a RDS incidence of about 25% in babies coming from ICP pregnancies, the post-test probability showed a risk increased to 66.7% with a score>9 and reduced to 4.8% with a score<or=9. CONCLUSION Our score is easy to apply and is based on the three most important variables involved in the RDS genesis. Score reliability is high enough to use it in clinical practice and to verify it in wider populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Zecca
- Division of Neonatology, Institute of Pediatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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Wasmuth HE, Glantz A, Keppeler H, Simon E, Bartz C, Rath W, Mattsson LA, Marschall HU, Lammert F. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: the severe form is associated with common variants of the hepatobiliary phospholipid transporter ABCB4 gene. Gut 2007; 56:265-70. [PMID: 16891356 PMCID: PMC1856745 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2006.092742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is characterised by troublesome maternal pruritus, raised serum bile acid levels and increased fetal risk. Mutations of the ABCB4 gene encoding the hepatobiliary phospholipid transporter have been identified in a small proportion of patients with cholestasis of pregnancy. In a recent prospective study on 693 patients with cholestasis of pregnancy, a cut-off level for serum bile acid (> or =40 micromol/l) was determined for increased risk of fetal complications. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether common combinations of polymorphic alleles (haplotypes) of the genes encoding the hepatobiliary ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters for phospholipids (ABCB4) and bile acids (ABCB11) were associated with this severe form of cholestasis of pregnancy. METHODS For genetic analysis, 52 women with bile acid levels > or =40 micromol/l (called cases) and 52 unaffected women (called controls) matched for age, parity and geographical residence were studied. Gene variants tagging common ABCB4 and ABCB11 haplotypes were genotyped and haplotype distributions were compared between cases and controls by permutation testing. RESULTS In contrast with ABCB11 haplotypes, ABCB4 haplotypes differed between the two groups (p = 0.019), showing that the severe form of cholestasis of pregnancy is associated with the ABCB4 gene variants. Specifically, haplotype ABCB4_5 occurred more often in cases, whereas haplotypes ABCB4_3 and ABCB4_7 were more common in controls. These associations were reflected by different frequencies of at-risk alleles of the two tagging polymorphisms (c.711A: odds ratio (OR) 2.27, p = 0.04; deletion intron 5: OR 14.68, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION Variants of ABCB4 represent genetic risk factors for the severe form of ICP in Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Wasmuth
- Third Department of Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Germany
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Zecca E, De Luca D, Marras M, Caruso A, Bernardini T, Romagnoli C. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Pediatrics 2006; 117:1669-72. [PMID: 16651322 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2005-1801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to verify the association between maternal intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and to determine how bile acids levels alter the risk of developing neonatal RDS. METHODS We extracted data from our divisional database about all of the newborns born during the years 2000-2004. We compared 77 neonates born from pregnancies complicated by ICP with 427 neonates in the same range of gestational age born from noncomplicated pregnancies. We studied maternal bile acids levels immediately before delivery in mothers with ICP and measured bile acid levels during the first 24 hours of life in their newborns. RESULTS The incidence of RDS in newborns from cholestatic pregnancies was twice that the reference population (28.6% vs 14%). The multivariate analysis showed that the risk of RDS in these newborns was approximately 2.5 times higher than in control infants. Within the ICP group, maternal and neonatal bile acid levels of infants affected by RDS were not significantly higher than those of healthy infants. The multivariate analysis showed that a low gestational age was the most important risk factor, but the probability of respiratory distress syndrome also increased by 2 per thousand for every additional micromole of the interaction term "neonatal by maternal bile acids level." CONCLUSIONS Maternal ICP is significantly associated with the occurrence of RDS in the newborn. We hypothesize that bile acids can produce surfactant depletion in the alveoli reverting the reaction of phospholipase A2. This hypothesis could potentially be confirmed by bronchoalveolar lavage study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Zecca
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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Popli K, Roberts J, Mills PR. Title: Obstetric Cholestasis Presenting With Unusually High Levels Of Serum Transaminases. Scott Med J 2006. [DOI: 10.1258/rsmsmj.51.1.57f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Obstetric cholestasis is typically suspected when a pregnant woman presents with generalized pruritus without a rash. Biochemically, only a mild abnormality of liver function tests is seen without any systemic signs and symptoms. The patient is usually treated with Ursodeoxycholic acid which improves both pruritus and liver function tests. We present a case where a pregnant woman presented with pruritus and was found to have unusually high levels of serum transaminases. The diagnosis of obstetric cholestasis was made only by exclusion of other causes of hepatobiliary dysfunction. Fortunately the condition responded well to the standard treatment and both mum and baby had a favourable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Popli
- James Cook University Hospital Marton Road, Middlesbrough TS4 3BW
| | - Judith Roberts
- The Queen Mother's Hospital Dalnair Street Glasgow G3 8SJ
| | - Peter R. Mills
- Gartnavel General Hospital 1053 Great Western Road Glasgow G12 0YN
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Preston M. Cytomegalovirus infection presenting as cholestasis? J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2005; 25:303-4. [PMID: 16147746 DOI: 10.1080/01443610500106595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Preston
- Gynaecology, Withington Hospital, Manchester, UK.
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Kondrackiene J, Beuers U, Kupcinskas L. Efficacy and safety of ursodeoxycholic acid versus cholestyramine in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Gastroenterology 2005; 129:894-901. [PMID: 16143129 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2005.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2004] [Accepted: 05/26/2005] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy with ursodeoxycholic acid appears promising, but data are limited so far. The aim of this randomized study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ursodeoxycholic acid in comparison with cholestyramine. METHODS Eighty-four symptomatic patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy were randomized to receive either ursodeoxycholic acid, 8-10 mg/kg body weight daily (n = 42), or cholestyramine, 8 g daily (n = 42), for 14 days. The primary end point was a reduction of pruritus by more than 50% after 14 days of treatment as evaluated by a pruritus score. Secondary end points were outcome of pregnancy, reduction of serum aminotransferase activities and serum bile acid levels, and drug safety. Intention-to-treat analysis was applied. RESULTS Pruritus was more effectively reduced by ursodeoxycholic acid than cholestyramine (66.6% vs 19.0%, respectively; P < .005). Babies were delivered significantly closer to term by patients treated with ursodeoxycholic acid than those treated with cholestyramine (38.7 +/- 1.7 vs 37.4 +/- 1.5 weeks, respectively, P < .05). Serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities were markedly reduced by 78.5% and 73.8%, respectively, after ursodeoxycholic acid, but by only 21.4%, each, after cholestyramine therapy (P < .01 vs ursodeoxycholic acid). Endogenous serum bile acid levels decreased by 59.5% and 19.0%, respectively (P < .02). Ursodeoxycholic acid, but not cholestyramine was free of adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Ursodeoxycholic acid is safe and more effective than cholestyramine in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurate Kondrackiene
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaunas University of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania.
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Boyd JM, Mehta A, Murphy DJ. Fertility and pregnancy outcomes in men and women with cystic fibrosis in the United Kingdom. Hum Reprod 2004; 19:2238-43. [PMID: 15243000 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deh405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The survival of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) now occurs into the fourth decade of life. Our aim was to evaluate the fertility and pregnancy outcomes of men and women with cystic fibrosis within a large British cohort. METHODS A population based cohort study of 4659 males and females registered with the UK Cystic Fibrosis Database in 2001. RESULTS Poor respiratory health (forced expiratory volume in 1 s FEV1 <50%) and CF-related diabetes increased significantly post-puberty compared with childhood. Few individuals with CF sought fertility treatment (1% men, 0.5% women) or achieved pregnancies (1.3% of partners of men, 5.7% women). However, the majority of pregnancies had a good outcome (67% live term birth among male partners, 74% among women). Women who achieved a pregnancy were less likely to suffer from poor respiratory health (FEV1 <50%), age adjusted Odds Ratio 0.6 (95% CI 0.3-0.9), less likely to be homozygous for the DF508 genotype OR 0.5 (95% CI 0.3-0.9) and had a significantly earlier median age at diagnosis (0 years vs 2 years, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Increasing numbers of males and females with cystic fibrosis are reaching reproductive age but currently very few have a child. Optimal adult health should improve the reproductive prognosis for both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny M Boyd
- Women's and Child Health, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Milkiewicz P, Gallagher R, Chambers J, Eggington E, Weaver J, Elias E. Obstetric cholestasis with elevated gamma glutamyl transpeptidase: incidence, presentation and treatment. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2003; 18:1283-6. [PMID: 14535985 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2003.03171.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstetric cholestasis (OC) may cause severe pruritus in the mother and lead to fetal distress and stillbirth. The etiology of OC is multifactorial, but includes inherited dysfunction of bile canalicular transporters. One of these, multidrug resistant protein 3 (MDR3), a phospholipid transporter, when dysfunctional is associated with elevated levels of gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). The aim of the present study was to assess the incidence of OC associated with elevated GGT. We compared the natural history of a cholestatic pregnancy and the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid (URSO) in OC patients grouped according to a normal or raised GGT level. METHODS Eighty-one patients with OC were analyzed. OC was diagnosed in patients with pruritus and elevated serum bile acids (SBA). Fifty-seven consenting volunteer patients (70%) were treated with URSO. RESULTS Elevated GGT at presentation was found in 21 patients (30%) and was associated with significantly higher serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), bilirubin (BIL) and SBA. OC presented at approximately the same gestation week in both groups of patients. In patients not treated with URSO, liver function tests (LFT) showed no significant change from the time of diagnosis to delivery. Patients from both groups responded to URSO with significant improvement in their AST and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, but SBA fell significantly only in the normal GGT group. CONCLUSIONS An elevated GGT occurs in less than one-third of patients with OC in the UK and, when present, is associated with greater impairment of LFT, but no difference in gestational age at onset. Treatment with URSO appears to be safe and significantly improves LFT in patients with OC, with the exception of SBA in the high GGT group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Milkiewicz
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Selly Oak Hospital, Maternity Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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Gorelik J, Shevchuk A, Diakonov I, Swiet M, Lab M, Korchev Y, Williamson C. Dexamethasone and ursodeoxycholic acid protect against the arrhythmogenic effect of taurocholate in an in vitro study of rat cardiomyocytes. BJOG 2003. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-0528.2003.02273.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
Pruritus is often the most troublesome symptom in patients with chronic liver disease, particularly when cholestasis is a prominent feature. The exact pathogenesis is unknown, but empirical treatment, such as cholestyramine, based on a liver-based origin of pruritus, has been used for many years. Recently, evidence for a central mechanism for pruritus has been obtained and opioid antagonists have been tried clinically with some benefit, but their use is not widespread. In addition, the pruritus associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy can now be alleviated in many cases by ursodeoxycholic acid. As it also improves foetal outcome, this should become first-line therapy. We review the pathogenesis and therapy of pruritus, highlighting practical aspects to help with patients with seemingly intractable pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mela
- Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Unit, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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Lammert F, Marschall HU, Matern S. Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN GASTROENTEROLOGY 2003; 6:123-132. [PMID: 12628071 DOI: 10.1007/s11938-003-0013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (or obstetric cholestasis) is a liver disorder that occurs in late pregnancy. Despite the potential adverse maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes, cholestasis of pregnancy is often neglected and treated expectantly. More research is needed to improve the molecular and genetic understanding of the disease and to define a safe and effective medical treatment that improves clinical outcome. Ursodeoxycholic acid is considered to be a safe treatment option in the third trimester, but further randomized controlled trials are needed before ursodeoxycholic acid treatment can be generally recommended. Ursodeoxycholic acid is preferentially administered to patients with severe cholestasis (onset before week 33 or serum bile acid levels > 70 mmol/L) or to patients with a history of sudden fetal death, while maintaining close obstetric and regular biochemical surveillance (transaminases, bilirubin, and bile acid levels). Ursodeoxycholic acid can decrease pruritus and ameliorate liver tests, but effects on obstetric complications are ambiguous. S-Adenosylmethionine, dexamethasone, and cholestyramine can provide some relief of itching. Because none of these drugs have been shown to be harmful to mother or fetus, the individual woman and her clinician may decide whether to try one of the treatments described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Lammert
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen (UKA), Aachen University (RWTH), Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52057 Aachen, Germany.
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