EFFECTS OF URSODEOXYCHOLIC ACID IN PATIENTS WITH INTRAHEPATIC CHOLESTASIS OF PREGNANCY

In an open, pilot study, the efficacy and safety of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy was investigated. Four patients received 1 g/day of UDCA during 20 days and another 2 patients received 2 identical periods of treatment separated by a 14-day interval free of drug. Pruritus and serum levels of total bile salts and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase improved significantly during treatment with UDCA. Although pruritus and the laboratory alterations had a relapse in the second week after UDCA was discontinued, they improved again in the 2 patients who received a second treatment with UDCA. No adverse reactions were detected in the mothers or in their babies. All newborns are thriving normally, in a follow-up that lasted 3 to 6 months after delivery. It is concluded that UDCA appears to be safe when administered in late pregnancy; its promising efficacy in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy should now be confirmed in controlled clinical trials.