"An update on the approach to treatment of Sjogren's Disease in pregnancy".

BACKGROUND: Women with Sjögren's Disease are more likely to experience pregnancy complications compared to their counterparts without the disease. Attention to detail and familiarity with the most recent research and guidelines in this field are required to achieve optimal maternal and fetal outcomes. Such complications include pregnancy induced hypertension, fetal growth restriction, thromboembolic events, and preterm delivery. Among the most life-threatening sequela of maternal Sjogren's Disease is fetal autoimmune congenital heart block (ACHB), which has high potential to cause intrauterine fetal death, neonatal mortality, developmental delay, and other long-term pediatric complications. Currently, surveillance with weekly echocardiograms and obstetric sonograms in the second trimester are recommended to screen for ACHB with the goal of early detection and intervention before progression from first- or second- of heart block to complete heart block. OBJECTIVE: We describe a case of maternal Sjogren's Disease, which prompted us to raise questions regarding the optimal frequency of obtaining fetal echocardiograms, and the ideal management in case a prolonged PR interval was to be found. We use this case to provide a springboard for discussion on updated antenatal management strategies for ACHB prevention. METHODS: To conduct this analysis, we searched PubMed for articles published over the last 10 years, with attention focused on articles written since 2016. Additionally, updated guidelines by other specialties such as Rheumatology, Cardiology and Pediatrics on this issue were reviewed. RESULTS: Thorough search of the literature yielded several meta-analyses concurring that the mothers with Sjogren's Disease had increased rates of premature birth, pregnancy induced hypertension, increased risks of delivering infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), with the most life-threatening risk being that of congenital heart block. Literature supporting prophylactic hydroxychloroquine and the use of steroids to reverse or halt the progression of congenital heart block at the time of diagnoses appeared at the forefront of search results. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with SS have an increased risk for complications such as intrauterine growth restriction, thromboembolic events, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm delivery, and cesarean delivery and should prioritize obtaining pre- or peri-conceptional counseling. In women with anti SSA/SSB antibodies, a medication regimen should be considered with the object of decreasing the concentration of these antibodies, and hence decrease the risks of ACHB. Current literature supports the inclusion of hydroxychloroquine for this purpose, even prior to conception. Although the most recent studies recommend against prophylactic use of steroids, their potential to prevent progression to complete block should be weighed against their potential negative effects. Short and long-term treatment with corticosteroids has been associated with increased maternal risk of infection, weight gain, osteonecrosis, hypertension and bone mineral density disorders. Intrauterine growth restriction, oligohydramnios, and adrenal suppression have been among the fetal risks associated with steroids while improved infant survival or decreased need for pacing have not been demonstrated. Management of these pregnancies is complex and should include a multidisciplinary approach involving a maternal-fetal medicine sub-specialist, a rheumatologist, a pediatrician, a neonatologist, and the patient herself with her family in a model of shared decision-making.

Understanding the effect of acupuncture on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy from a metabolic perspective: study protocol for a single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is an effective complementary therapy for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP). Nevertheless, the utilization of acupuncture for NVP has been minimally explored in current scholarly research, with a paucity of systematic randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in it. We aim to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on NVP after assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and explore the metabolism-related mechanism of the efficacy. METHODS: This single-blind, randomized, controlled trial will randomize 68 patients with NVP after ART to a traditional acupuncture (tACP) or a sham acupuncture (sACP) group. The tACP group will receive tACP thrice a week for 2 weeks with a day interval between sessions, while the sACP group will undergo the same number of nonpenetrative acupuncture at non-acupoints for the same period. Pregnancy-specific quantification of emesis will be used to evaluate symptom severity. Routine blood and urine tests, liver and kidney function tests, human chorionic gonadotropin, nuchal translucency thickness, and embryonic development measured using ultrasound will be used to evaluate safety during pregnancy. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis will be performed to explore the association between metabolic changes and clinical symptoms. DISCUSSION: This study will elucidate the effects and safety of acupuncture in treating NVP in women undergoing ART. The results of this study will contribute to optimizing acupuncture therapies by combining the body and auricular points and exploring the underlying therapeutic mechanism using a metabolomics approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300075259.

Patient-centered pregnancy planning in multiple sclerosis: evidence for a new era.

A few decades ago, women diagnosed with multiple sclerosis were discouraged from becoming pregnant. However, with new knowledge about the disease and treatments, this recommendation has changed, and it is pregnancy after the diagnosis of the disease is no longer contraindicated, with family planning being essential in this process. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the family planning process for people with multiple sclerosis.

Até recentemente, a gravidez nas pacientes com o diagnóstico de esclerose múltipla era contraindicada. O avanço no conhecimento sobre a doença e os tratamentos alterou essa recomendação, e agora a gravidez após o diagnóstico da doença não é mais contraindicada; contudo, o planeamento familiar é essencial nesse processo. Esta revisão tem como objetivo fornecer uma visão abrangente do processo de planejamento familiar para pacientes com esclerose múltipla.

Psoriasis in women with psoriatic arthritis: hormonal effects, fertility, and considerations for management at different stages of life.

OBJECTIVE: This review examines skin manifestations in women with spondyloarthritis, with a particular focus on psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and associated psoriasis. METHODS: A narrative review of the bibliography was conducted using the main databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE). RESULTS: The review showed that the clinical course of PsA and psoriasis in women is influenced by hormonal fluctuations that occur at different stages of life, such as menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Gender differences in the epidemiology of PsA and psoriasis are discussed and attributed to biological, hormonal, and environmental differences. The role of estrogen in modulating immune responses and its impact on the severity of PsA and psoriasis are reviewed. Special emphasis is placed on the psychosocial impact of visible skin lesions on women's quality of life and fertility problems associated with psoriasis. Treatment strategies are also taken into account, favoring personalized approaches that consider the safety of treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: The review highlights the importance of a holistic and gender-sensitive approach to the management of PsA and psoriasis in women, promoting the integration of physical treatment with support for emotional well-being.

Characteristics, Physiopathology and Management of Dyslipidemias in Pregnancy: A Narrative Review.

Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). During pregnancy, physiological changes elevate cholesterol and triglyceride levels to support fetal development, which can exacerbate pre-existing conditions and lead to complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and increased ASCVD risk for both mother and child. Effective management strategies are necessary, especially for pregnant women with inherited forms of dyslipidemia (i.e., familial hypertriglyceridemia, hyperchylomicronemia), where personalized dietary adjustments are crucial for successful pregnancy outcomes. Pharmacological interventions and lipoprotein apheresis may be necessary for severe cases, though their use is often limited by factors such as cost, availability, and potential fetal risks. Despite the promise of advanced therapies, their widespread application remains constrained by limited studies and high costs. Thus, a personalized, multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimizing outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current strategies and evidence-based practices for managing dyslipidemia during pregnancy, emphasizing the balance of maternal and fetal health. Additionally, it discusses the physiological changes in lipid metabolism during pregnancy and their implications, particularly for women with inherited forms of dyslipidemia.

Primary hyperparathyroidism-induced acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: A systematic review with a diagnostic-treatment algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) during pregnancy has rarely been described. Due to this rarity, there are no diagnostic or treatment algorithms for pregnant patients. AIM: To determine appropriate diagnostic methods, therapeutic options, and factors related to maternal and fetal outcomes for PHPT-induced AP in pregnancy. METHODS: A literature search of articles in English, Japanese, German, Spanish, and Italian was performed using PubMed (1946-2023), PubMed Central (1900-2023), and Google Scholar. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was followed. The search terms included "pancreatite acuta," "iperparatiroidismo primario," "gravidanza," "travaglio," "puerperio," "postpartum," "akute pankreatitis," "primärer hyperparathyreoidismus," "Schwangerschaft," "Wehen," "Wochenbett," "pancreatitis aguda," "hiperparatiroidismo primario," "embarazo," "parto," "puerperio," "posparto," "acute pancreatitis," "primary hyperparathyroidism," "pregnancy," "labor," "puerperium," and "postpartum." Additional studies were identified by reviewing the reference lists of retrieved studies. Demographic, imaging, surgical, obstetric, and outcome data were obtained. RESULTS: Fifty-four cases were collected from the 51 studies. The median maternal age was 29 years. PHPT-induced AP starts at the 20th gestational week; higher gestational weeks were seen in mothers who died (mean gestational week 28). Median values of amylase (1399, Q1-Q3 = 519-2072), lipase (2072, Q1-Q3 = 893-2804), serum calcium (3.5, Q1-Q3 = 3.1-3.9), and parathormone (PTH) (384, Q1-Q3 = 123-910) were reported. In 46 cases, adenoma was the cause of PHPT, followed by 2 cases of carcinoma and 1 case of hyperplasia. In the remaining 5 cases, the diagnosis was not reported. Neck ultrasound was positive in 34 cases, whereas sestamibi was performed in 3 cases, and neck computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 9 cases (the enlarged parathyroid gland was not localized in 3 cases). Surgery was the preferred treatment during pregnancy in 33 cases (median week of gestation 25, Q1-Q3 = 20-30) and postpartum in 12 cases. The timing was not reported in the remaining 9 cases, or surgery was not performed. AP was managed surgically in 11 cases and conservatively in 43 (79.6%) cases. Maternal and fetal mortality was 9.3% (5 cases). Surgery was more common in deceased mothers (60.0% vs 16.3%; P = 0.052), and PTH values tended to be higher in this group (910 pg/mL vs 302 pg/mL; P = 0.059). Maternal mortality was higher with higher serum lipase levels and earlier delivery week. Higher calcium (4.1 mmol/L vs 3.3 mmol/L; P = 0.009) and PTH (1914 pg/mL vs 302 pg/mL; P = 0.003) values increased fetal/child mortality, as well as abortions (40.0% vs 0.0%; P = 0.007) and complex deliveries (60.0% vs 8.2%; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: If serum calcium is not tested during admission, definitive diagnosis of PHPT-induced AP in pregnancy is delayed, while early diagnosis and immediate intervention lead to excellent maternal and fetal outcomes.

A Multidisciplinary Approach for Treating Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Pregnancy: A Series of Eight Women.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic organ prolapse in pregnancy is rare. Consequent complications include cervical infection, spontaneous abortion, and premature birth. Conservative management by means of a pessary have been described as improving maternal symptomatology and minimizing gestational risk. The delivery mode is controversial. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical courses of patients diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy, and to present our multidisciplinary approach. METHODS: In this retrospective case series, we summarized the obstetrical outcomes of women diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy in a single university-affiliated hospital. RESULTS: We identified eight women with advanced uterine prolapse at a mean age of 30.3 years. Seven were diagnosed with advanced uterine prolapse (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification [POPQ] stage ≥ 3). All were treated by pessary placement, which was tolerable and provided symptomatic relief. The pessary type was chosen according to the prolapse stage. In women with cervical prolapse POPQ stage > 2 and cervical edema, a support pessary was less beneficial. However, the prolapse was well-controlled with a space-filling Gellhorn pessary. Low complication rates were associated with vaginal deliveries. The few complications that were reported included minor cervical laceration, postpartum hemorrhage, and retained placenta. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy must be individualized and requires a multidisciplinary approach of urogynecologists, obstetricians, dietitians, pelvic floor physiotherapists, and social workers. Conservative management, consisting of insertion of a vaginal pessary when prolapse symptoms appeared, provided adequate support for the pelvic floor, improved symptomatology, and minimized pregnancy complications. Vaginal delivery was feasible for most of the women.

Maternal obesity management: a narrative literature review of health policies.

Maternal obesity rates are increasing significantly, posing substantial risks to both mothers and their children. This study aims to introduce health policies addressing maternal obesity, identify preventive interventions, and highlight scientific gaps necessitating further research.We identified documents through electronic searches in PubMed, CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, and grey literature sources (ministry of health websites, national gynecology and obstetrics associations) from January 2013 to August 2023, updated in June 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on English-language documents discussing interventions or health policies that promote weight loss through lifestyle changes during pregnancy.A total of 22 documents (10 studies and 12 guidelines) were included. 12 studies (N=1244) identified via databases; included two Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) from Canada and Singapore. Other 10 CPGs sourced from governmental websites and national associations: England (1), Australia (1), New Zealand (1), combined Australia and New Zealand (1), Canada (3), USA (1), Ireland (1), Germany (1). 10 guidelines focused on obesity in pregnancy, two on weight management during pregnancy. Covered interventions across pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum periods (9 guidelines); pre-pregnancy and pregnancy (2); exclusively postpartum (1). Seven guidelines offered evidence-based recommendations on maintaining healthy weight in mothers, largely based on expert opinions.Maternal obesity poses significant risks to both mothers and children, underscoring the need for effective health policies and systems. However, few countries have integrated adequate responses into their healthcare policies and guidelines for professionals. Limited evidence exists on optimal practices to improve reproductive health outcomes in obese women. Hence, the crucial need to developing comprehensive guidelines and proactive strategies to manage maternal obesity. These measures can improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Increased focus on research and policymaking is essential to protect the health of mothers and their children.

"It Empowers You to Empower Them": Health Professional Perspectives of Care for Hyperglycaemia in Pregnancy Following a Multi-Component Health Systems Intervention.

The Northern Territory (NT) and Far North Queensland (FNQ) have a high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women birthing who experience hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. A multi-component health systems intervention to improve antenatal and postpartum care in these regions for women with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy was implemented between 2016 and 2019. We explored health professional perspectives on the impact of the intervention on healthcare. The RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) underpinned this mixed-methods evaluation. Clinicians were surveyed before (n = 183) and following (n = 137) implementation. The constructs explored included usual practice and satisfaction with care pathways and communication between services. Clinicians, policymakers and the implementation team were interviewed (n = 36), exploring the impact of the health systems intervention on practice and systems of care. Survey and interview participants reported improvements in clinical practice and systems of care. Self-reported glucose screening practices improved, including the use of recommended tests (72.0% using recommended first-trimester screening test at baseline, 94.8% post-intervention, p < 0.001) and the timing of postpartum diabetes screening (28.3% screening at appropriate interval after gestational diabetes at baseline, 66.7% post-intervention, p < 0.001). Health professionals reported multiple improvements to care for women with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy following the health systems intervention.

Reproductive Health in RA, Lupus, and APS.

ABSTRACT: Systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis are chronic autoimmune diseases affecting women of childbearing age. These diseases may impair fertility and fecundity, as well as complicate pregnancy and the puerperium in these patients including disease flare and obstetric complications on both the maternal and fetal side. For each patient, an appropriate preconceptional counseling with risk stratification is required, including assessment of disease activity, organ involvement, serological profile, and comorbidities.In cases of pregnancy, the aims of treatment are to prevent disease activity, to treat disease activity in cases of flare, and to prevent maternal and fetal complications such as preeclampsia or fetal loss. In all patients with these diseases, close clinical monitoring during pregnancy and puerperium is mandatory. This review aims to summarize the fertility issues in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis and to provide an update on pregnancy management and outcomes in these patients.

Reproductive Health in Scleroderma, Vasculitis, and Sjögren Syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Women with systemic chronic inflammatory disease, such as those with scleroderma, systemic vasculitis, and Sjögren syndrome, need preconception evaluation by a multidisciplinary team. Counseling and pregnancy management should be tailored to patients' needs, considering specific disease features, organ involvement, treatment options, and risk factors to minimize risks of maternal-fetal complications during pregnancy.Additionally, considerations regarding fertility, assisted reproductive techniques, and contraception also need to be addressed for these women.In this narrative review, we integrate the current published literature with our expert opinion to address the issues faced by patients with the aforementioned inflammatory conditions.

Position statement of Italian Society of Obesity (SIO): Gestational Obesity.

PURPOSE: Gestational obesity (GO) presents a multifaceted challenge to maternal and fetal health, with an escalating prevalence and far-reaching consequences extending beyond pregnancy. This perspective statement by the Italian Society of Obesity (SIO) provides current insights into the diagnosis, maternal and fetal impacts, and treatment strategies for managing this pressing condition. METHODS: This article provides a comprehensive review of the maternal and fetal effects of GO and provides suggestions on strategies for management. Comprehensive review was carried out using the MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. RESULTS: The diagnosis of GO primarily relies on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), although standardized criteria remain contentious. Anthropometric measures and body composition assessments offer valuable insights into the metabolic implications of GO. Women with GO are predisposed to several health complications, which are attributed to mechanisms such as inflammation and insulin resistance. Offspring of women with GO face heightened risks of perinatal complications and long-term metabolic disorders, indicating intergenerational transmission of obesity-related effects. While nutritional interventions are a cornerstone of management, their efficacy in mitigating complications warrants further investigation. Additionally, while pharmacological interventions have been explored in other contexts, evidence on their safety and efficacy specifically for GO remains lacking, necessitating further investigation. CONCLUSION: GO significantly impacts maternal and fetal health, contributing to both immediate and long-term complications. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach, including precise diagnostic criteria, personalized nutritional interventions, and potential pharmacological treatments. These findings underscore the need for individualized care strategies and further research to optimize outcomes for mothers and their offspring are needed. Enhanced understanding and management of GO can help mitigate its intergenerational effects, improving public health outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V narrative review.

Implementation and evaluation of a proactive consultation-liaison model on an inpatient obstetric unit.

OBJECTIVE: Perinatal mental and anxiety disorders (PMADs) contribute to adverse health outcomes, though they are underrecognized and undertreated. Inpatient obstetric settings represent a unique opportunity for behavioral health engagement, including screening, brief treatment, and referrals for outpatient care. The proactive consultation-liaison (CL) model has proven effective in general hospital settings but is not well-studied in obstetric settings. This article describes the implementation and evaluation of a proactive CL model in an inpatient obstetric unit within a tertiary medical center. METHODS: We implemented a multidisciplinary, proactive CL model in an inpatient obstetric unit with the purpose of identifying patients at risk for or experiencing PMADs and providing intervention and/or referral to treatment. Systematic screening of 7322 admitted patients was performed over a 17-month period to identify eligible patients for behavioral health consultation. Consultation data was retrospectively extracted from the electronic medical record. Key implementation outcomes were assessed using a RE-AIM measures (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. RESULTS: 1589 initial consults were conducted by the multidisciplinary team, yielding a consult rate of 21.7 %. The majority of consults (94 %) were completed by a social worker or psychologist, with most patients identified for consultation at multidisciplinary rounds (60.7 %). The most common indications for consultation with a psychiatrist included medication management, history of bipolar disorder, and history of anxiety. All invited staff and providers participated in the model. Alternative funding sources agreed to cover the salaries of the multidisciplinary team following conclusion of pilot grant funding. CONCLUSIONS: A proactive CL model implemented in an inpatient obstetric unit led to a higher consult rate (21.7 %) than is observed with traditional CL services. A multidisciplinary proactive CL model shows promise in identifying people at-risk for PMADs and providing targeted interventions to prevent PMADs and treat those with active symptoms.

Nonoperative Management of Both Column Acetabular Fracture and Protrusio Acetabuli in a Pregnant Patient: A Case Report.

CASE: We present a case of a 39-year-old woman at 23 weeks gestation who sustained traumatic both-column acetabular fracture and protrusio acetabuli, managed with initial traction and delayed total hip arthroplasty (THA) until after cesarean section delivery. CONCLUSION: Initial skeletal traction with subsequent delayed THA may be a viable treatment option in select pregnant female patients who sustain both-column acetabular fractures. Interdisciplinary collaboration is necessary to optimize maternal-fetal health and provide patient education of procedural risk to enable informed decision making.

Study protocol: perinatal mood treatment study.

Perinatal depression (PND) affects up to 20% of women and is associated with significant impairment and disability in affected women. In addition, perinatal depression is associated with broader public health and multigenerational consequences. Innovative approaches are needed to reduce the burden of perinatal depression through identification, tracking, and treatment of depressive symptoms during the perinatal period. This study is a randomized clinical trial comparing the relative efficacy of a multi-tiered system of care, Screening and Treatment of Anxiety and Depression (STAND) to perinatal care delivered by a reproductive psychiatrist in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. A sample of 167 individuals was randomized between week 28 of pregnancy and 6 months postpartum. A secondary aim compares the original online therapy intervention used in the first half of the study to a newer online therapy program used in the second half of the study for individuals assigned to the STAND treatment. The study measures, intervention groups, and analysis methods are described, as well as expected implications. The findings from this study may improve the methods for tracking symptom changes over time, monitoring treatment response, and providing personalized care for individuals with PND. As such, this study may improve the lives of patients with PND and their families and lower the related health care costs to society.Trial registration NCT: 9/24/2021NCT direct link: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05056454?term=NCT05056454&rank=1&a=1 .

The effect of compression stockings on the complaints well-being and sleep quality of pregnant women with restless legs syndrome: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of compression stockings on complaints, well-being, and sleep quality in pregnant women with restless legs syndrome. METHODS: This randomized placebo-controlled study was conducted on 63 pregnant women (placebo group [PG]=31; experimental group [EG]=32) at the Perinatology Outpatient Clinic of a Health Research and Application Centre in Turkey. Pregnant women in the experimental group wore compression stockings when they got up in the morning for 3 weeks and took them off at bedtime. Placebo group women wore a placebo stocking. Data were collected using the restless legs syndrome Severity Rating Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index, and the Application Satisfaction Form on the 22nd day of the first interview. Statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. RESULTS: Post-test mean scores of both the experimental group and placebo group in the restless legs syndrome Severity Rating Scale (post-test:;8.87±5.27, 12.19±5.60; pre-test:;21.28±5.63, 21.0±5.61; p<0.05), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (post-test:;5.34±3.28, 6.12±3.12; pre-test:;10.15±4.23, 9.61±4.59; p<0.05), and Well-Being Index (post-test:;18.06±4.59, 19.00±4.47; pre-test:;12.71±5.85, 15.09±5.62; p<0.05) showed recovery according to the pre-tests. However, the post-test restless legs syndrome Severity Rating Scale of the experimental group was lower than that of the placebo group (p<0.05). The effect of their application started in 3.93±1.74 days on average in the experimental group, while it started in 5.09±1.55 days in the placebo group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both applications reduced the severity of restless legs syndrome in pregnant women and increased sleep quality and well-being. However, compression stockings were more effective in reducing restless legs syndrome severity. Nurses can use compression and placebo stockings in the care of pregnant women with restless legs syndrome. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05795868.

Guideline No. 452: Diagnosis and Management of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the current evidence and to make recommendations for the diagnosis and management of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. TARGET POPULATION: Pregnant people with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. OPTIONS: Diagnosing the condition using fasting or non-fasting bile acids, classifying disease severity, determining what treatment to offer, establishing how to monitor for antenatal fetal wellbeing, identifying when to perform elective birth. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Individuals with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy are at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes including preterm birth, neonatal respiratory distress and admission to a neonatal intensive care unit, with an increased risk of stillbirth when bile acid levels are ≥100 µmol/L. There is inequity in bile acid testing availability and timely access to results, along with uncertainly of how to treat, monitor. and ultimately deliver these pregnancies. Optimization of diagnostic and management protocols can improve maternal and fetal postnatal outcomes. EVIDENCE: Medline, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to March 2023, using medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords related to pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, bile acids, pruritis, ursodeoxycholic acid, and stillbirth. This document presents an abstraction of the evidence rather than a methodological review. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: Obstetric care providers, including obstetricians, family physicians, nurses, midwives, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and radiologists. SOCIAL MEDIA ABSTRACT: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy requires adequate diagnosis with non-fasting bile acid levels which guide optimal management and delivery timing. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.