title: A prospective study of 18 patients with cholestasis of pregnancy.
abstract: In this prospective study we evaluate the role of serum bile acids in the investigation and management of cholestasis of pregnancy in a detailed study of 18 patients. Bile acids were the most sensitive diagnostic test. The increased incidence of fetal distress (33.3% in this series) and meconium-stained fluid (58.3%) did not correlate with very high values of bile acids in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum, or amniotic fluid. Treatment of pruritus with cholestyramine and/or phenobarbital is ineffective in this condition, induction of labor is suggested once fetal lung maturity is established.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000628:therapy*; D002792:Cholestyramine Resin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000032:analysis; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000188:drug therapy; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007751:Labor, Induced; D008168:Lung / Q000196:embryology; D008470:Meconium / Q000032:analysis; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D002792:Cholestyramine Resin; D010634:Phenobarbital