The reversed feto-maternal bile acid gradient in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is corrected by ursodeoxycholic acid.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver disorder associated with an increased risk of adverse fetal outcomes. It is characterised by raised maternal serum bile acids, which are believed to cause the adverse outcomes. ICP is commonly treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).

Interventions for treating cholestasis in pregnancy.

Background: Obstetric cholestasis has been linked to adverse maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes. As the pathophysiology is poorly understood, therapies have been empiric. The first version of this review, published in 2001, and including nine randomised controlled trials involving 227 women, concluded that there was insufficient evidence to recommend any of the interventions alone or in combination.

Ursodeoxycholic acid versus placebo, and early term delivery versus expectant management, in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: semifactorial randomised clinical trial.

Objectives: To test whether ursodeoxycholic acid reduces pruritus in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, whether early term delivery does not increase the incidence of caesarean section, and the feasibility of recruiting women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy to trials of these interventions.

Design: First phase of a semifactorial randomised controlled trial.

Setting: Nine consultant led maternity units, United Kingdom.

Pilot study for a trial of ursodeoxycholic acid and/or early delivery for obstetric cholestasis.

Background: Obstetric cholestasis (OC) is a serious problem in pregnancy. It affects about 4500 women per year in the UK. Affected women develop itching and occasionally jaundice.

How accurate is symptomatic and clinical evaluation of prolapse prior to surgical repair?

The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of pre-operative evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse. The design is a prospective observational audit set at the gynaecology department, Teaching Hospital, UK. The population is composed of patients undergoing surgery for prolapse.