Impact of pruritus in patients at high risk of significant intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Background Pruritus is a common symptom of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life (QoL). Methods A multinational survey administered through ICP patient support groups was conducted in women with current or previous ICP. Results In total, 697 women from the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland responded to the survey. 94% had ICP in a previous pregnancy. The median worst itch score (0–10) was 9. Pruritus severity was associated with a higher degree of sleep disturbance, fatigue, and mood changes. 59% reported that pruritus led to disruption of daily activities. 33% reported missing school or work. Most patients were taking ≥2 antipruritic medications and achieved only partial resolution of pruritus. Conclusion The results underscore the negative impact of pruritus on QoL in patients with ICP and substantiate the high unmet need for developing safe and effective antipruritic therapies in ICP. Trial Registration Trial registration is not applicable because this was not an interventional study.