Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy and Pruritus in Pregnancy

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) is a condition characterised by itching (pruritus) and abnormal liver function tests. It usually develops in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and resolves quickly after birth. With a paucity of research in this area, the cause is not well understood. What is known though is it is associated with pre-term and stillbirth and it is therefore imperative that women are diagnosed and appropriately managed by specialists. It is more common in multiple birth, an increase in maternal age, or a personal or family history of the condition. The rate of ICP is 0.7% of all pregnancies although this varies with ethnicity.1