Cholestasis Overview
Learn About Cholestasis
Cholestasis is any condition in which the flow of bile from the liver is slowed or blocked.
Intrahepatic cholestasis; Extrahepatic cholestasis
There are many causes of cholestasis.
Extrahepatic cholestasis occurs outside the liver. It can be caused by:
- Bile duct tumors
- Cysts affecting the bile duct
- Narrowing of the bile duct (strictures)
- Stones in the common bile duct
- Pancreatitis
- Pancreatic tumor or pseudocyst
- Pressure on the bile ducts due to a nearby mass or tumor
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Intrahepatic cholestasis occurs inside the liver. It can be caused by:
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Amyloidosis
- Bacterial abscess in the liver
- Being fed exclusively through a vein (IV)
- Lymphoma
- Pregnancy
- Primary biliary cholangitis (previously called primary biliary cirrhosis)
- Primary or metastatic liver cancer
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Sarcoidosis
- Serious infections that have spread through the bloodstream (sepsis)
- Tuberculosis
- Viral hepatitis
Certain medicines can also cause cholestasis, including:
- Antibiotics, such as ampicillin and other penicillin
- Anabolic steroids
- Birth control pills
- Chlorpromazine
- Cimetidine
- Estradiol
- Imipramine
- Prochlorperazine
- Terbinafine
- Tolbutamide
- Tamoxifen
- Steroids
- Some chemotherapy agents
Symptoms may include:
- Clay-colored or pale stools
- Dark urine
- Inability to digest certain foods
- Itching
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain in the right upper part of the abdomen
- Yellow skin or eyes
The underlying cause of cholestasis must be treated. There are medicines to help the itching and other side effects of cholestasis.
Aga Professional Services LLC
Daniel Mullady is a Gastroenterologist in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Mullady and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cholestasis. His top areas of expertise are Hereditary Pancreatitis, Bile Duct Obstruction, Barrett Esophagus, Endoscopy, and Gallbladder Removal.
Sjc Ms General Surgery LLC
Russell Kirks is a General Surgeon in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Kirks has been practicing medicine for over 12 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cholestasis. His top areas of expertise are Cholestasis, Bile Duct Stricture, Necrosis, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery. Dr. Kirks is currently accepting new patients.
Outpatient Imaging Services LLC
Daniel O'mara is a Radiologist and an Interventional Radiologist in Pooler, Georgia. Dr. O'mara and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cholestasis. His top areas of expertise are Lung Nodules, Thyroid Nodule, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Gastrostomy. Dr. O'mara is currently accepting new patients.
How well a person does depends on the disease causing the condition. Stones in the common bile duct can often be removed. This can cure the cholestasis.
Stents can be placed to open areas of the common bile duct that are narrowed or blocked by cancers.
If the condition is caused by the use of a certain medicine, it will often go away when you stop taking that medicine.
Occasionally a liver transplant is needed in severe cases.
Complications may include:
- Diarrhea
- Organ failure can occur if sepsis develops
- Poor absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins
- Severe itching
- Weak bones (osteomalacia) due to having cholestasis for a very long time
Contact your health care provider if you have:
- Itching that does not go away
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Other symptoms of cholestasis
Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B if you are at risk. Do not use intravenous drugs and share needles.
Summary: Liver Cirrhosis Network (LCN) Cohort Study is an observational study designed to identify risk factors and develop prediction models for risk of decompensation in adults with liver cirrhosis. LCN Cohort Study involves multiple institutions and an anticipated 1200 participants. Enrolled participants will have study visits every 6 months (180 days), with opportunities to complete specific visit comp...
Summary: This is a controlled, observational clinical study initiated by investigators to investigate the efficacy and safety of sulfasalazine in the treatment of cirrhosis in patients with cirrhosis. Four cohorts were planned: primary biliary cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C cirrhosis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. The four groups were divided into experimental group and control group, and the experimental group: ...
Published Date: May 14, 2024
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Eaton JE, Lindor KD. Primary biliary cholangitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 91.
Fogel EL, Sherman S. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 141.
Lidofsky SD. Jaundice. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 21.