Clinical outcome in a series of cases of obstetric cholestasis identified via a patient support group.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the clinical features of obstetric cholestasis pregnancies in UK white Caucasians.


METHODS
A questionnaire survey.


METHODS
Study coordinated at Queen Charlotte's Hospital.


METHODS
Clinical features of 352 affected pregnancies in 227 Caucasian women identified via a patient support group.


METHODS
Evaluation of the gestation at which prematurity and intrauterine death occur, and recording of additional clinical features in pregnancies complicated by obstetric cholestasis.


METHODS
The timing of pregnancies complicated by intrauterine death and prematurity.


RESULTS
Among the affected pregnancies, 23 (7%) were complicated by intrauterine death (20 singletons and 3 twins) and 133 (38%) were delivered prematurely (56 spontaneous and 77 iatrogenic). Eighteen of the 20 singleton intrauterine deaths occurred after 37 weeks. All three intrauterine deaths in twin pregnancies occurred before 37 weeks. Pruritus started earlier in pregnancies complicated by spontaneous prematurity, but not in those complicated by intrauterine death.


CONCLUSIONS
Intrauterine death in singleton pregnancies complicated by obstetric cholestasis death mainly occurs after 37 weeks. The gestation at which pruritus is first reported may help to predict spontaneous prematurity.
Williamson
Catherine
C
Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, UK.
Hems
Laura M
LM
Goulis
Dimitrios G
DG
Walker
Ian
I
Chambers
Jennifer
J
Donaldson
Oscar
O
Swiet
Michael
M
Johnston
Desmond G
DG
D002779:Cholestasis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000453:epidemiology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000453:epidemiology; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011537:Pruritus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology