How to spot symptoms of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)

ICP is an itching that can occur during the later stages of pregnancy and typical symptoms are intense itching with no other skin manifestations, often starting on the hands and soles of the feet.

The condition is caused by high hormone levels during pregnancy, which interrupt the communication of the liver and the gall bladder, resulting in a back up of bile into the bloodstream.

ICP usually comes on during the second or third trimester of pregnancy and is the most common pregnancy-related liver disorder.

Signs and symptoms of the condition include the following:

• Itching that increases towards the end of the day
• Itching that is most often, but not always, limited to the soles of the feet and palms of the hands, with no indication of an accompanying rash
• Itching that does not respond to anti-itch remedies or antihistamines.

Although there is currently no cure for ICP, many practitioners will prescribe ursodeoxycholic acid to treat the condition. This is a chemical that occurs in bile and is often used to dissolve gallstones.

According to a recent study, in cases of severe ICP, the risk of a stillbirth was 1.5 per cent, which compared to 0.5 per cent in cases of uncomplicated pregnancies. This risk was higher if bile acids doubled.

Chadwick Lawrence’s team of medical negligence lawyers have years of experience in high value and complex medical negligence compensation claims and have an excellent record. The team is led by Tony May, a specialist cerebral palsy and birth injury solicitor, who has over 20 years experience in handling cases in which babies have been brain damaged or sustained other injuries as a result of medical negligence.  He and his team continue to represent many cerebral palsy children and young adults in medical negligence claims.  Tony also acts as the Court of Protection Deputy for many of the cerebral palsy and brain damaged clients that he has represented, so we can continue to support you after your case is settled.  Tony can be contacted by email on tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk.  Alternatively, please call and speak to any of Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist medical negligence Legal Aid and no win-no fee solicitors for free legal advice on the freephone number below.

Freephone: 0800 028 2969

For further information, please see our cerebral palsy and birth injury website:

http://www.cerebralpalsyclaimssolicitors.co.uk