Cholestasis of pregnancy

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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

To diagnose cholestasis of pregnancy, your health care provider may:

  • Ask questions about your medical history
  • Perform a physical exam
  • Send blood samples for laboratory testing to evaluate how well your liver is working and measure the amount of bile in your blood
  • Conduct an ultrasound exam — a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs — to check your liver for abnormalities
References
  1. Bacq Y. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 21, 2009.
  2. Geenes V, et al. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2009;15:2049.
  3. Liver disorders in pregnancy. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_14543.asp. Accessed Aug. 24, 2009.
  4. Riely CA, et al. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Clinics in Liver Disease. 2004;8:167.
  5. Skin conditions during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp169.cfm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2009.
  6. Cappell MS. Hepatic and gastrointestinal diseases. In: Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/156403804-2/0/1528/432.html?tocnode=57028110&fromURL=432.html. Accessed Aug. 24, 2009.
  7. Burrows R, et al. Interventions for treating cholestasis in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009:CD000493.
  8. SAMe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Sept. 9, 2009.

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Oct. 13, 2009

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