Cholestostatsis

Question 1

What does ICP stand for?

Answer 1

Intrahetapic cholestasis of pregnancy

Question 2

What is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?

Answer 2

When bile (breakdown of RBC) cannot flow from liver to duodenum

Question 3

What are symptoms of ICP?

Answer 3

Itching palms of hands and feet
High liver function tests and serum bile acid tests
Upper right pain (in liver)
Jaundice
Dark urine

Question 4

Why does ICP occur?

Answer 4

Not fully understood - combination of hormones and genetics

Question 5

When is ICP more common?

Answer 5

3rd trimester due to high hormone levels

Question 6

What are the risks of ICP?

Answer 6

Still birth due to bile acid affecting fetal heart development/function
Prematurity
Reduced placental blood flow
Can disturb fetal steroid metabolism, causing fetal distress and mec aspiration

Question 7

How is ICP diagnosed?

Answer 7

Persistent itching
2 high LFT
High serum bile acid tests

Question 8

Why should we take blood tests for ladies with ICP?

Answer 8

Low vitamin k levels so needed for clotting function - assess risk for APH or PPH