Description
A condition associated with pregnancy in which the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine is slowed or blocked. This disorder usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. The disease is not dangerous for the mother but can be harmful for the unborn baby. The following conditions increase the risk of this disorder: family history of the disorder, carrying multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets etc.), and prior liver damage in the pregnant woman.
Symptoms
Itching, jaundiced (yellow) skin or eyes, inability to digest certain foods, nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, rash or fever in some cases of drug-induced cholestasis, clay-colored or white stools, dark urine.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests are usually recommended to assess liver function. An ultrasound may be performed to rule out other causes of jaundice (such as gallstones).
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests are usually recommended to assess liver function. An ultrasound may be performed to rule out other causes of jaundice (such as gallstones).
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Treatment
Therapy is aimed at reducing the symptoms (including anti-itch medications) and delivering the baby as soon as the fetal lungs are mature enough for delivery.