Cholestatischen

Cholestatischen is an adjective used in medical language to denote relation to cholestasis, a disorder of bile formation or flow. In English, the corresponding term is cholestatic.

Cholestasis occurs when bile cannot drain from the liver into the duodenum. This can be intrahepatic (originating inside the liver) or extrahepatic (due to obstruction of bile ducts).

Causes include drug-induced cholestasis, pregnancy-associated cholestasis, genetic cholestatic disorders, biliary obstruction from stones or tumors, infections, and infiltrative or inflammatory liver diseases.

Symptoms commonly include jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, pruritus, and fatigue. Laboratory findings show a cholestatic pattern with elevated alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase, often with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Imaging aids in confirming obstruction.

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause. Ursodeoxycholic acid is frequently used to improve bile flow. Pruritus may be treated with bile acid sequestrants or rifampin; obstructive cholestasis may require endoscopic or surgical relief. Vitamin supplementation may be needed to address fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies.

Prognosis depends on the underlying cause; some forms are reversible, while chronic cholestasis can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure without effective management.

The term cholestatischen derives from chole (bile) and stasis (standing or stopping). In German and Dutch medical language it denotes a relation to cholestasis; the English equivalent is cholestatic.