Achieving Consensus in the Management of Intrahepatic Cholestasis in Pregnancy

Abstract

The incidence of intrahepatic cholestasis (ICP) in pregnancy, a liver condition, is increasing, suggesting a greater awareness of the disease. While this condition is an annoyance for a mother, typically causing intense itchiness of the hands and soles of the feet, she will return to normal after delivery. However, this condition has the potential to cause premature delivery, fetal distress and fetal death, so appropriate management is very important. Currently, guidelines available in North America conflict with guidelines in the United Kingdom. The purpose of this research is to establish evidence-based, current practice guidelines for managing cholestasis in pregnancy within a local context. A modified Delphi technique will be utilized with the goal of achieving consensus among local obstetricians about the management of ICP. It is anticipated that two rounds of questionnaires will be disseminated to the group. The content of the questionnaires and the resulting guideline, will take into consideration the unique health care environment and resources in one northeastern Ontario community.

Keywords

• intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy (icp)
• e-delphi
• consensus