Ursodeoxycholic acid in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Objective. We studied the clinical and biological effects and safety of ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Methods. All cases of ICP treated with ursodeoxycholic acid in our department from January 1st, 1991 to May 31st, 1997 were reviewed. Results. Forty‐three patients had ICP, of whom 19 received ursodeoxycholic acid. The first symptoms appeared after a mean of 29.7 weeks of pregnancy (WP). Treatment was started after a mean of 32 WP, and lasted a mean of 28.5 days. Fourteen patients showed a clinical improvement on UDCA, and 11 showed a biological improvement. Two had a biological deterioration with increased liver enzyme concentrations. Conclusions. Ursodeoxycholic acid appears to be an effective treatment for ICP, but further studies are needed to confirm its safety in pregnancy.