title: Fetal complications due to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
abstract: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common liver disorder of pregnancy. Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture, particularly the presence of pruritus with a deterioration of liver function tests, and typically elevated serum levels of total bile acids. ICP manifests in the second half of pregnancy, predominantly during the third trimester. Symptoms of the disease resolve spontaneously after delivery. Etiology is still not fully understood. Genetic defects in specific transport proteins, elevated levels of sex hormones, and various environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of this disorder. Although practically benign for the pregnant woman, ICP represents a serious threat to the fetus. It increases the risk of preterm delivery, meconium excretion into the amniotic fluid, respiratory distress syndrome, and sudden intrauterine fetal death. Identifying fetuses at risk of ICP complications remains challenging. The ideal obstetrical management of ICP needs to be definitively determined. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on fetal complications of ICP and describe management options for their prevention.
authors.forename: Patrik
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Šimják
authors.forename: Antonín
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pařízek
authors.forename: Libor
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vítek
authors.forename: Andrej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Černý
authors.forename: Karolína
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Adamcová
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koucký
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Michaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dušková
authors.forename: L'uboslav
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stárka
mesh_terms: D002780:Cholestasis, Intrahepatic; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000209:etiology*; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000209:etiology*