What symptom is characteristic of Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?

What symptom is characteristic of Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?

• A. Localized rash on abdomen
• B. Generalized itching without rash
• C. Severe abdominal pain
• D. High blood pressure

Answer: (B)

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is primarily characterized by generalized itching without rash. This condition occurs due to an impairment in bile flow during pregnancy, leading to the accumulation of bile acids in the bloodstream. The itching can be quite severe and often worsens at night, but it typically does not present with any visible skin lesions or rashes. The absence of a rash differentiates it from other dermatological conditions that may also present with itching during pregnancy. The generalized nature of the itching is significant, as it often affects multiple areas of the body, including the palms and soles, rather than being localized to one region like the abdomen. This symptom can arise particularly during the third trimester of pregnancy and is usually associated with elevated bile acid levels, which may pose risks to both the mother and the fetus, such as increased chances of preterm delivery. In contrast, other conditions mentioned do not align with the hallmark symptoms of intrahepatic cholestasis. Severe abdominal pain, for example, may suggest other complications or conditions during pregnancy, while high blood pressure points towards issues like gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, neither of which typically involves generalized itching. Therefore, the characteristic feature of generalized itching without a rash distinguishes intrahepatic cholest

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is primarily characterized by generalized itching without rash. This condition occurs due to an impairment in bile flow during pregnancy, leading to the accumulation of bile acids in the bloodstream. The itching can be quite severe and often worsens at night, but it typically does not present with any visible skin lesions or rashes. The absence of a rash differentiates it from other dermatological conditions that may also present with itching during pregnancy.

The generalized nature of the itching is significant, as it often affects multiple areas of the body, including the palms and soles, rather than being localized to one region like the abdomen. This symptom can arise particularly during the third trimester of pregnancy and is usually associated with elevated bile acid levels, which may pose risks to both the mother and the fetus, such as increased chances of preterm delivery.

In contrast, other conditions mentioned do not align with the hallmark symptoms of intrahepatic cholestasis. Severe abdominal pain, for example, may suggest other complications or conditions during pregnancy, while high blood pressure points towards issues like gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, neither of which typically involves generalized itching. Therefore, the characteristic feature of generalized itching without a rash distinguishes intrahepatic cholest