Product category:
Clinical chemistry analysis
News Release from: Randox Laboratories | Subject: Bile acids assay
Edited by the Laboratorytalk Editorial
Team on 08 February 2008
Bile acids test for obstetric
cholestasis
Randox Laboratories's fifth-generation bile acids assay can be used to diagnose obstetric cholestasis, combined with the full range of liver function tests from Randox
Obstetric cholestasis is the most common liver disease during pregnancy, affecting one in 160 pregnancies in the UK Flow through the bile ducts is restricted and the level of bile acids in the blood rises causing severe itching, often worst in the palms and the soles of the feet
This article was originally published on Laboratorytalk on 12 Sep 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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The itching can be so persistent that the skin becomes abraded and bleeds.
In addition, dietary fats are not absorbed properly causing vitamin K levels to drop and increasing the risk of excessive bleeding in both mother and baby.
Obstetric cholestasis is linked to foetal distress, premature labour, and stillbirth, therefore accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial.
A bile acids test is the most sensitive test for obstetric cholestasis.
The bile acids level rises in other conditions, however, such as acute fatty liver of pregnancy, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis.
Liver function tests such as ALT (alanine transaminase), alkaline phosphatase and gamma GT (glutamyl transpeptidase) are used to rule out the possibility of other liver conditions.
Treatment for obstetric cholestasis involves frequent ultrasound scans to monitor for foetal distress.
Rest and periodic liver tests are recommended for the mother and medications can alleviate the symptoms.
Delivery is often induced at around 37-38 weeks to reduce the risk of stillbirth.
Obstetric cholestasis spontaneously resolves after the baby has been delivered, this is confirmed by bile acid levels returning to normal. Request a free brochure from Randox Laboratories ...
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