Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver disorder in the third trimester characterized by pruritus,jaundice,raised serum bile acids and mildly abnormal liver function,which adversely affect fetal outcome.The etiology of ICP is not fully understood.Studies have shown that in genetically susceptible women the ICP may result from estrogens and progesterones as well as their metabolities in the last trimester which lead to the abnormal bile acid metabolism.In this article we will conclude the progression on the molecular mechanism about the ICP,on the one hand to help us offer theoretical basis for deeper understanding the pathomechanism,and on the other hand to provide new ideas and methods for clinical treatment.