[Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. A benign disease?].

Abstract

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a relatively common disease. It has an unknown etiology and may have a recurrent pattern. It commonly occurs in the 2nd-3rd trimester and characteristically presents with pruritus, jaundice and abnormal liver function tests. There is also an increased risk of preterm delivery and of cesarean section. Both maternal and neonatal prognosis is generally good. We describe a case of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy with an atypical presentation and outcome. Our patient presented with acute renal and hepatic failure with hepatic encephalopathy, DIC and hypertension which was the cause of the fetal death in the third trimester of the pregnancy.