Cholestasis (Intra and Extra)

Cholestasis is a bile duct condition that can cause abdominal pain.

About Cholestasis (Intra and Extra)

Why It is Problematic

Causes and Risk Factors

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment and Prevention

 

About Cholestasis (Intra and Extra)

Cholestasis (intra and extra) is a condition marked by the reduction or complete blockage of bile flow.

 

Why it is Problematic

Cholestasis (intra and extra) can develop into an infection. Chronic bile duct obstruction always leads to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). It may also cause osteoporosis (fragile bones), or osteomalacia (soft bones).
 

Causes and Risk Factors

Extrahepatic cholestasis occurs when there is a blockage outside of the liver.  It is linked to bile duct tumors, cysts, narrowing of the bile ducts, stones in the common bile duct, pancreatitis, pancreatic tumor, bile duct pressure, or primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Intrahepatic cholestasis occurs when there is a blockage inside the liver.  It is linked to alcoholic liver disease, amyloidosis, bacterial liver abscess, IV feeding, lymphoma, pregnancy, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitissarcoidosissepsis, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis.

The use of certain medications can also contribute to the development of cholestasis (intra and extra), including antibiotics, anabolic steroids, birth control pills, chlorpromazine, cimetidine, imipramine, prochlorperazine, terbinafine, and tolbutamide.

 

Symptoms

  • Pale or white stool
  • Dark urine
  • Inability to digest certain foods
  • Itching (pruritus)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

 

Diagnosis

Blood tests will be given to check for elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphates. Other diagnostic tools include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), ultrasound,CT scan, and MRI.

 

Treatment and Prevention

The focus of treatment is on the underlying cause of cholestasis.

Vaccinate for hepatitis A and B; avoid drugs and sharing needles.

Seek immediate medical assistance if you have any of the symptoms of cholestasis.

 

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