What Is Intrahepatic Cholestasis?
Pregnancy December 18th, 2009
Intrahepatic Cholestasis (ICP) also termed as Obestetric Cholestasis is a condition in which cholestasis occurs furing the preggnancy period. This condition can cause itching which is troublesome and can even lead cause complications for both the mother and the fetus.
Most of the times this condition is ignored as itching is also a common symptom in pregnancy. In case of ICP continuous itching turns out as the symptom for this condition. This condition is noticed mostly during the third trimester and this condition can also be considered as the main cause of jaundice in preganacy.
Signs And Symptoms Of Intrahepatic Cholestasis:
The signs and symptoms of Intrahepatic Cholestasis are:
- Itching is the main symptom, which is not only limited to hands, palms, soles of the feet and rash is not formed
- The intensity of rash increases during evening time.
- This kind of itching do not respond to anti itching remedies.
- The amount of serum bile acid count decreases, which can be identified on testing which is usually a means of recognising the disease.
Some less common symptoms for this condition are:
- Stools are of light colour
- Increased nausea
- Fatigue
- Urine of dark colour
- Blood will take longer time in clotting so time period for blood clot to form will increase
- Jaundice
- Decrease in appetite
- Pain will be there in upper quadrant
Genetic Factors For Intrahepatic Cholestasis:
The condition of ICP is found mostly in families where the reoccurance of this condition is noticed at a frequent rate. It is due to this reason that research was conducted to find out whethere genes are responsible for this condition.
The reaseach concluded that, some genetic mutation was noticed in hepatocellular transport protein which is known to control the secretion of a protein called phosphatidylcholine into bile. This mutation in mother’s body during the pregnancy period is transferred to the baby which carries all along and sufferes from the same condition in the later stage of life.