What is often a significant diagnostic indicator for Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is characterized by a specific set of symptoms and laboratory findings, among which elevated total serum bile acids is a key diagnostic indicator. When bile acids exceed a certain threshold, commonly set at greater than 10 umol/L, it suggests a disruption in the normal flow of bile, which is a hallmark of ICP. This condition often presents in the late second to third trimester and can lead to significant maternal and fetal complications, making early diagnosis and management crucial.

While other factors such as the presence of eczema, jaundice during pregnancy, and high liver enzymes may occur in various liver conditions, they are not reliably diagnostic for ICP. In particular, jaundice may be a late sign and is not present in all cases. High liver enzymes can occur in several hepatic disorders and are not specific to ICP. In contrast, the total serum bile acid levels provide a more definitive measure for diagnosing and managing this specific condition in pregnant women.