What is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is characterized symptomatically by an intense pruritus, most often starting on the palms and soles, and then becoming generalized. There are no other dermatologic findings except excoriations. ICP usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. The etiology of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is not completely understood, but there is a strong indication that there is interplay between a rise in pregnancy hormones (estrogen and progesterone), accumulation of bile acids secondary to liver dysfunction, and genetic susceptibility contributing to development of this disease.

Geenes V, Williamson C: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, World J Gastroenterol 15(17):2049–2066, 2009.