A special bile test for pregnant women available at Latifa Hospital

Dubai: A new test that can prevent complications of labour due to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is now available at Latifa Hospital.

Intrahepatic cholestasis refers to a condition that impairs the flow of bile — a digestive fluid — from the liver. While it poses no harm for the mother, it can be dangerous for the child.

The Pathology and Genetics Department at Latifa Hospital announced that the bile acid test is now available at the Biochemistry Unit of the hospital.

“This will help diagnose intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, especially during the third trimester,” said Dr Muna Abdul Razzaq Tahlak, CEO of Latifa Hospital.

Tahlak said this is an important test because it can diagnose intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy which, if left undetected, can cause the baby to die due to an increase in salts in the liver of the mother.

She added: “The test will be available at a price of Dh165, thanks to the new state of the art machines now available at the hospital’s laboratory. This is a symbolic price that shows our commitment to our patients.”

Tahlak said intrahepatic cholestasis has a prevalence of two to three per cent worldwide. She said the prevalence of the medical condition can go up to 15 per cent in Chile, adding that it is estimated to be prevalent in the UAE by two to 5 per cent.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy occurs in late pregnancy and triggers intense itching, usually on the hands and feet but often on many other parts of the body.