Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (also called ICP) is a liver disorder that typically occurs during the second half of pregnancy. Cholestasis is a condition that impairs the release of a digestive fluid called bile, which is made and released by the liver. In people with cholestasis, bile builds up in the liver, impairing its function. Because the problems with bile release occur within the liver (intrahepatic), the condition is described as intrahepatic cholestasis.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a complex disorder. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Risk factors for developing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy include underlying liver disease and a form of diabetes called gestational diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Being pregnant with more than one baby or having a history of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy also increases the risk of developing this condition. Sometimes, more than one person in a family has this condition.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is the most common liver disease related to pregnancy. It is estimated to affect up to 2 percent of pregnancies, although the number of people affected varies by country and population. The condition is more common in South America and northern Europe. Historically, the highest incidence occurred in the Araucanian Indian population in Chile, although the incidence in this population has declined in recent years.

An increased susceptibility to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy typically has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to increase the risk of developing the disorder.

Published Date: April 25, 2024
Published By: National Institutes of Health