Cholestasis of pregnancy is characterized by :a) Commonly occur in 1st trimester of pregnancyb) Increased maternal mortalityc) Increased perinatal mortalityd) Recurrence in subsequent pregnancye) Generalised pruritis
**Core Concept:** Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver disorder that occurs during pregnancy, characterized by impaired bile flow and elevated liver enzymes. It is associated with pruritus, especially generalized pruritis, and an increased risk of preterm labor, fetal complications, and maternal complications like HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) syndrome.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Cholestasis of pregnancy is predominantly caused by the interaction between pregnancy hormones and the liver, leading to a decrease in the enzyme UDP-glucuronyl-transpherase (UGT), which is responsible for conjugating and eliminating bile acids. This impairment results in the accumulation of toxic bile acids in the liver, blood, and skin, causing pruritus, especially generalized pruritis, which is one of the key features of this condition.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A) Cholestasis of pregnancy commonly occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. Although it can occur in any trimester, it is less common in the first trimester.
B) Increased maternal mortality is not a defining feature of cholestasis of pregnancy. The main concern is fetal and maternal complications.
C) Cholestasis of pregnancy does not primarily present as generalized pruritis. While pruritis is a common symptom, it can be localized or generalized, but it is not exclusively generalized pruritis.
D) Recurrence in subsequent pregnancies is not a defining feature of cholestasis of pregnancy. It is more common in women who have had a previous episode of cholestasis of pregnancy, but not all cases recur in subsequent pregnancies.
**Clinical Pearl:**
Cholestasis of pregnancy is a concerning pregnancy complication. Prompt diagnosis and management are essential to prevent fetal complications, such as stillbirth, prematurity, and respiratory distress syndrome. Patients should be advised to avoid scratching, as it may lead to skin breakdown and infection. In some cases, delivery may be necessary to prevent fetal distress. Pre- and postpartum management involves avoiding unnecessary medication administration, as it can exacerbate pruritis, and monitoring for worsening of symptoms and complications.