Fetal impact of cholestasis of pregnancy: experience at Tenon Hospital and literature review

Abstract

Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver disorder that occurs during the second half of pregnancy, causing pruritus and elevated serum bile acid levels. Its etiology remains unknown but probably involves vascular and humoral immune responses, mediated by bile acids. This disorder is associated with substantially increased fetal morbidity and mortality. The most satisfactory treatment consists in delivering the fetus as soon as pulmonary maturation has occurred.