As we all know, the liver is an important organ for metabolism in the body, and bile also plays an important role in digestion and metabolism. However, intrahepatic cholestasis is always an abnormal phenomenon, especially in special groups such as pregnant women, which requires attention. So what are the symptoms of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy? Let me explain to everyone.
What is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Firstly, everyone needs to understand what intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a unique complication of pregnancy and an idiopathic disease in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. The incidence rate varies from 0.1% to 15.6%, with obvious regional and ethnic differences. Chile, Sweden and China's Yangtze River Valley have higher incidence rate.
Causes of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
So what are the causes of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy? The editor found through research that it may be related to factors such as female hormones, genetics, and environment. Female hormones: Clinical studies have found that ICP often occurs in late pregnancy, twin pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation, and previous use of oral combination contraceptives, all of which are in a state of high estrogen levels. Estrogen can decrease the activity of Na+, K+- ATPase, reduce energy supply, and lead to bile acid metabolism disorders; Estrogen can increase the ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids in the liver cell membrane, which hinders the outflow of bile; Estrogen acts on estrogen receptors on the surface of stem cells, altering protein synthesis in liver cells and leading to increased bile reflux.
Genetic factors: The incidence rate of ICP is significantly different around the world, including Chile and Sweden, and the incidence is significantly higher among women with a history of ICP in their mothers or sisters. Environmental factors: Epidemiological studies found that the incidence rate of ICP was related to seasons, and winter was higher than summer. In recent years, studies have found that the blood selenium concentration of pregnant women in Chile has increased compared to 9 years ago, and the blood selenium level of pregnant women in summer has significantly increased. Selenium is a trace element and an active component of glutathione peroxidase.
Symptoms of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
What are the symptoms of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy? Itching: Itching without skin damage is the first symptom of ICP, which occurs in about 80% of patients after 30 weeks of pregnancy, and some even earlier. Jaundice: 10% -15% of patients experience mild jaundice, which generally does not worsen with increasing gestational age. The presence or absence of jaundice in ICP pregnant women is closely related to fetal prognosis. Patients with jaundice have significantly increased amniotic fluid fecal staining, neonatal asphyxia, and perinatal mortality. Skin scratch: A strip-shaped scratch on the skin of the limbs caused by itching. Generally, there are no obvious digestive symptoms, and a few expectant mothers may experience upper abdominal discomfort and mild fat dysentery.
When women are pregnant, their mood may often be tense, and any changes in their body will worry about whether it will affect the development and health of the fetus. The editor hopes that mothers can relax their minds. If they suspect that they have intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, they must go to the hospital to consult a doctor and adjust their body under the guidance of the doctor's advice.
