A family study was prompted by the presence of benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis in three members and probably in a fourth. Pruritus and/or jaundice occurred during pregnancy in nine members. Two additional members suffered from pruritus while using oral contraceptives. The literature on benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis since 1959 describes at least 57 cases. A familial form of this condition proved to be fairly common. There seems to be a relation to the intrahepatic cholestasis sometimes seen during pregnancy and during oral contraceptive use. The data of the family study are suggestive for an interrelation of the three types of intrahepatic cholestasis, although a common denominator remains obscure.
PIP: A case study of a family in which at least 3 members developed benig n recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis was undertaken. 9 members of the family had developed pruritus and/or jaundice during pregnancy. 2 others develope pruritus while taking oral contraceptives (OCs). 57 cases of benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis are noted, many of which occurred as a familial phenomenon. The data suggest a relationship between OC use, pregnancy and intrahepatic cholestasis. Th ere is also evidence for the possible interrelation between the 3 types of intrahepatic cholestasis, though a common origin for these diseases remains to be established.