25-year-old female with hyperthyroidism who is 30 weeks pregnant initially presented with costovertebral tenderness, pelvic pain and nausea. Pain resolved after passing a kidney stone, but initial labs are concerning for abnormal liver chemistries with AST of 118 U/L, ALT of 162 U/L, alkaline phosphatase of 200 U/L, Total Bilirubin of 2.0 mg/dL and INR of 1.0. What is the next best step?
Ursodeoxycholic acid (or UDCA, Ursodiol) is a very commonly-used medication in the hepatologist’s arsenal. But have you ever wondered what it is? Why does it work? I know I have.
Let’s try and answer some of those questions for you today!