How is cholestasis of pregnancy diagnosed?

History/Physical/Lab: Cholestasis is diagnosed by doing a complete medical history, physical examination, and blood tests that evaluate liver function, bile acids, and bilirubin. Additionally, an ultrasound can de done to rule out gall bladder stones causing blockage. 1-2 preg/1000 is affected by cholestasis of pregnancy. It may be related to adverse pregnancy events like preterm labor, or at worse, stillbirth.

Bile Acid levels: Cholestasis of pregnancy presents with total body itching, usually no rash, & diagnosis is usually made with an elevated level of bile acids. We also follow liver functions, treat with ursodiol (actigall) & monitor the fetus with twice weekly nsts & afi checks. Early delivery is usually warranted to avoid demise, no one really has a good explanation why this occurs. Take care.