Treatment:

Treatment requires addressing the underlying illness. When medications are suspected to be the cause of cholestasis, they should be stopped.

Expectations (prognosis):

How well a person does depends on the disease causing the condition. Primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and some forms of hepatitis may be treated to some extent.

Stents can be placed to open areas blocked by cancers. Cholestasis caused by medication usually goes away but can lead to liver failure.

Complications:

• Severe itching
• Diarrhea
• Poor absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins
• Fever and rash (drug-induced cholestasis)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have persistent itching, notice that your skin or eyes are yellow, or have other symptoms suggestive of cholestasis.