Ursodeoxicholic acid in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Abstract

Intrahepatic choleastasis of pregnancy (ICP) also called obstetric cholestasis (OC) is a liver condition of pregnancy characterized by pruris, elevation in circulating bile acide and liver derangement, associated with adverse fetal outcomes such as preterm labor and stillbirth. The frontline treatment for ICP is Ursodeoxicholic acid (UDCA). This medication has been shown to be superior to all other medications in the treatment of ICP, and has been proved safe for both mother and baby.