The Signs And Symptoms Of Choleostasis In Pregnancy

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Choleostasis of pregnancy is a very unusual pregnancy complication occurring in only about one or two pregnancies out of 1000. The normal flow of bile and other juices is slowed down in the bladder due to the affect of the pregnancy hormones in this condition. The bile juices and acids build up in the liver and spill over into the blood stream.

Choleostasis occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy when the pregnancy hormones are again peaking. It gradually subsides after delivery. It is a dangerous pregnancy complication as it may cause foetal distress, stillbirth and premature births. Early diagnosis and early treatment becomes critical.

The Incidence Of Choleostasis In Pregnancy

It is a very rare pregnancy complication and has its roots in hereditary. If the patient’s mother or sister had it, there is a high chance that the patient will have it too. It is very common in women who are carrying multiple foetuses and in women who have suffered from Hepatitis. Liver damage in the past predisposes a woman to choleostasis during pregnancy.

The Symptoms Of Choleostasis

One of the earliest signs of cholesotasis is excessive itching that takes place in the outer extremities of the body like the feet, soles, hands and palms. The itching can also occur in other parts of the body like stomach and buttocks. The itching can be severe and the area darkens with continuous itching and friction.

The doctor conducts a liver function test on the patient to see all the parameters of liver functioning. Elevated levels of serum bilirubin indicate choleostasis of pregnancy. The other symptoms of choleostasis are dark urine colour, light coloured bowels, extreme fatigue, exhaustion and depression. The patient may also experience a loss in appetite resulting in weight loss.

In severe cases, the patient may be diagnosed with full-blown jaundice and may experience symptoms like yellowing eyes and nausea along with vomiting.

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Treatment Of Choleostasis

The treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms and discomfort of the patient. Extreme itching can be tackled by prescribing topical ointments, creams and medications that give relief. Lacto Calamine is quite effective in soothing and reducing the itchiness. Certain drugs may be prescribed by the doctor to reduce the build-up of bile in the body. Cold water and ice packs also help in reducing the itching.

In cases where the condition is very severe, the doctor may consider developing the baby’s lungs with the help of steroid medications. Once the baby’s lungs are matured, an emergency delivery or c-section may be carried out to deliver the baby. This step is taken in extreme cases where there is danger of the baby experiencing a stillbirth or foetal distress.

In addition to this, regular monitoring of the mother’s blood serum should be carried out after the second trimester is over. This is especially true if the mother has a prior history of jaundice or family history of liver disease. Early detection of the disease is a crucial step in treatment and management of the disease.