Effects of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Treatment for Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes.

Background: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) appears in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and is characterized by pruritus and elevated blood bile acid (BA) levels. Complications from these symptoms may include preterm birth, fetal distress, or stillbirth. Although the precise causes of ICP are unknown, genetic, hormonal, and environmental variables may be involved.