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High bile salts during pregnancy - Obstetric Cholestasis
What is meant by obstetric cholestasis?
It is the high bile salts that occur in women during pregnancy
When is obstetric cholestasis suspected?
When a pregnant woman complains of severe itching, especially in the palms of the hands and soles of feet
How is obstetric cholestasis diagnosed during pregnancy?
By measuring the level of bile salts in the blood
Do liver enzymes rise in pregnant women who suffer from obstetric cholestasis?
Yes, in some cases
How do we confirm the diagnosis of obstetric cholestasis?
Retrospectively after the return of the level of bile salts and liver enzymes to their normal level 4 weeks after delivery
What is the effect of high bile salts during pregnancy on the fetus?
It may lead to sudden death of the fetus inside the womb, especially if the bile salt level is above 100
When should delivery take place when bile salts are high during pregnancy?
This depends on the level of salts, as delivery takes place after the thirty-fifth week if the salt level is above 100, while we can wait until the 40th week if the increase is slight
How can we prevent sudden fetal death due to high bile salts?
Unfortunately, it cannot be prevented or predicted, as it occurs due to a sudden disturbance in the fetal heart's electricity
Can a woman who suffered from obstetric cholestasis during pregnancy use birth control pills?
No, as using birth control pills exposes these women to cholestasis again
Does obstetric cholestasis recur in subsequent pregnancies?
Yes, if it occurs in one pregnancy, the probability of its occurrence in subsequent pregnancies is high
How is high bile salts treated during pregnancy?
** Monitoring the level of salts and liver enzymes periodically
**Giving the mother treatments such as antihistamines to relieve symptoms of severe itching
**Delivery at the appropriate time
Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist
