OBSTETRIC CHOLESTASIS

Abstract

Obstetric cholestasis (OC) also known a intrahepatic cholestatsis of pregnancy (ICP) is defined as pruritus of onset in pregnancy in association with abnormal liver function in the absence of any other identifiable liver pathology which resolves on delivery. It may be associated with adverse obstetric outcome and significant maternal morbidity. In the UK the prevalence is thought to be 0.6–0.7%, with up to 39–41% of women with OC being of Indian or Pakistani origin. Higher prevalence is also observed in Scandinavia (2%) and Chile (4%), (especially women of Araucanian Indian descent 24%). The condition occurs more commonly amongst twin pregnancies (20–22%) and is more common in the winter months in both Scandinavian and Chilean populations. The condition may occur more frequently in those >35 years of age (25% of cases).