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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 3/2014

01-03-2014 | Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Ursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Titta Joutsiniemi, Susanna Timonen, Riitta Leino, Pertti Palo, Ulla Ekblad

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 3/2014

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Abstract

Purpose

To test the efficacy and safety of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in the treatment of patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

Methods

In the randomized (double-blind, placebo-controlled) study 20 pregnant women with ICP received (random allocation of) either 450 mg/day UDCA or placebo for 14 days during the third trimester of pregnancy. The severity of pruritus was registered and itching scores were assessed before the treatment and weekly thereafter. The effects of UDCA on liver function and fetoplacental hormone production were measured with covering laboratory testing: serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), total bile acids (TBA), estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen d-dimers (FIDD) and platelet count were assessed before the treatment and weekly thereafter. Data on pregnancy and delivery outcome were recorded and analyzed.

Results

UDCA was well tolerated. A significant improvement in itching scores was detected in 2 weeks in the group receiving UDCA. Serum levels of ALAT and TBA fell after 2 weeks treatment. The other laboratory values were not modified by the treatment.

Conclusions

UDCA improves maternal itching scores and liver function tests without interfering with the fetoplacental estrogen production in patients with ICP. UDCA is well tolerated by pregnant women. No fetal or neonatal side-effects could be detected.
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Metadata
Title
Ursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Titta Joutsiniemi
Susanna Timonen
Riitta Leino
Pertti Palo
Ulla Ekblad
Publication date
01-03-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-013-2995-5

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