Cholestasis

Question 1

Define cholestasis?

Answer 1

Common liver condition specific to pregnancy

Typically presents in the third trimester

Biochemical disturbance in the liver enzymes which makes the flow of bile from the liver stop or slow, causing bile acids and bilirubin to back up into the blood and organs as they do not reach the duodenum for proper excretion

Impedes the absorption of vitamin K

Question 2

Why does this occur?

Answer 2

Not fully understood

genetic and/or hormonal causes:
Overproduction of oestrogen by the fetoplacental unit

The condition occurs mainly in the third trimester when oestrogen levels are at their highest/ resolves soon after birth

Genetic predisposition causing increased sensitivity to oestrogen -> metabolic defect affecting liver