Assessment of clinical symptoms in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a disorder characterized by pruritus and elevated liver function tests and is associated with a high incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes. Multi-disciplinary cooperation is critical for managing the condition and ensuring better pregnancy outcomes. The objective of the study was to assess the clinical symptoms and intensity of cutaneous pruritus in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Material and methods. The study group included 71 women with ICP. The patients were asked about their symptoms and intensity of itching. The intensity of cutaneous pruritus was assessed according to two scales. SPSS 21 software was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Results. On the onset of symptoms women had indicate the intensity of itching at 5.1±2.3 points on average, according to visual analog scale. 53.5% women indicated the symptom to be occasional or discontinuous. By the moment of the survey, 66.2% women indicated the intensity of the pruritus more or equal to 8 points, being continuous in 52.1% of cases. In the post-partum period, the intensity of the pruritus decreased, being assessed on the third day after delivery as less or equal with 5 points in 93.1% of cases, being occasional or discontinuous in 90.1% of cases. Conclusions. Pruritus is the most prevalent clinical sign of ICP and it should not be ignored, being considered as a call for follow-up.