Cholestasis during the course of a pregnancy
Cholestasis is a disease of the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. It can happen in two ways. Extrahepatic cholestasis is cholestasis that arises outside of the liver (also known as non-obstetric cholestasis). Intrahepatic cholestasis, also known as obstetric cholestasis, occurs within the liver. Hormones alter the flow of bile through the gallbladder and bile ducts in pregnant women. Bile accumulates in the liver and spills into the bloodstream as a result.
Obstetric cholestasis is a pregnancy-related liver condition that affects about one in every 200 women during the third trimester. Itching, high levels of serum aminotransferases and bile acids, and signs and symptoms that resolve on their own two to three weeks after birth characterize it.
Severe obstetric cholestasis can be fatal, resulting in premature birth, fetal discomfort, and stillbirth. To avoid these issues and lower your and your baby’s risk, surgical therapy is usually recommended.
Fortunately, ursodeoxycholic acid is a good treatment for obstetric cholestasis. It prevents apoptosis in gallbladder interstitial Cajal-like cells by reducing TNF-a expression, hence minimizing oxidative stress and thrombotic problems.
Pregnancy cholestasis (also known as intrahepatic cholestasis) is a liver condition that can occur throughout your pregnancy. A physical exam and a blood test to determine how well your liver is functioning will be performed by your doctor.
The tests will also determine the amount of bile acid in your bloodstream. The higher your bile acid levels, the more likely you are to have cholestasis during pregnancy.
Pregnancy intrahepatic cholestasis is an uncommon, reversible condition that often arises in the second half of the pregnancy. In 10% of individuals, it causes severe pruritus and an increase in total serum bile acids, which can lead to jaundice.
A pregnant woman suffering from obstetric cholestasis (also known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy) may experience itching without developing a rash. It usually begins in the third trimester and ends after the baby is born.
Cholestasis occurs when bile, the digestive fluid that aids in fat breakdown, fails to leave the liver and enter the small intestine. This causes bile acids to accumulate in the bloodstream, causing irritation.
Bile acids can also impair a pregnant woman’s capacity to absorb fat, which can disrupt her blood coagulation. This can also have an impact on her baby, raising the chances of stillbirth and early birth.
Cholestasis is caused by a disruption in the normal flow of bile. This causes bile acids, bilirubin, and cholesterol to build up.
Cholestasis is caused by a blockage of bile flow in the hepatocytes or cholangiocytes. This can happen for a variety of reasons.
A gallbladder blockage is one of the most common causes (due to blocked bile ducts). Another cause is a blockage in the liver or the tubes that transport bile from the stomach to the intestine.
You may need to take medicine to help your bile pass more freely through your body. This can help relieve itching and restore regular bile levels.
Cholestasis occurs when the passage of bile from your liver to your small intestine slows or ceases. This can be caused by issues with your liver, bile duct, or pancreas.
If you have obstetric cholestasis, your doctor will look for other health problems to rule out other causes. You’ll undergo a physical exam and blood tests to determine the level of bile acid in your blood as well as the function of your liver.
Obstetric cholestasis usually goes away once your baby is born. However, you will need to continue monitoring for some time after delivery. Ultrasounds and fetal heart monitors may be used to ensure that your baby is healthy.
