Complete Information on Cholestasis

Cholestasis simply means failure of flow of bile. Bile formation is a secretory function of the liver. It begins in bile canaliculi that form between two adjacent surfaces of liver cells (hepatocytes) similar to the terminal branches of a tree. There are many causes of cholestasis such as, extrahepatic cholestasis and Intrahepatic cholestasis. Extrahepatic cholestasis which occurs outside the liver can be caused by bile duct tumors, strictures, cysts, diverticulitis, and other damage.

Compression payable to a people or tumor on a near organ. Intrahepatic cholestasis ,which occurs inside the liver can be caused by sepsis, bacterial abscess, drugs, being fed by an IV, lymphoma, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and amyloidosis. Other causes of this kind of the disorder include main biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, viral hepatitis, intoxicating liver disease and pregnancy. Jaundice, blue urine, light-colored stools, and generalized itchiness are distinctive symptoms of cholestasis. Jaundice results from extra bilirubin deposited in the rind, and blue urine results from extra bilirubin excreted by the kidneys.

Retention of bile products in the skin may cause itching, with subsequent scratching and skin damage. A blockage of the bile ducts can usually be treated with surgery or endoscopy (using a flexible viewing tube with surgical instruments attached). Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), an antibacterial drug; phenobarbital, a barbiturate anticonvulsant; and other drugs are sometimes prescribed to cleanse the system and eliminate bile salts and other toxic compounds. A liver transplant may become necessary if complications occur. Cholestyramine drug binds with certain bile products in the intestine, so they cannot be reabsorbed to irritate the skin.