Cholestatic liver disease is a condition that causes an obstruction of bile flow. Liver cells produce bile, which passes through a tubular transport system within the liver to the gallbladder. Bile moves from the gallbladder into the small intestine via the common bile duct. Abnormalities anywhere along the biliary transport system can cause obstruction and cholestatic liver disease. The symptoms of cholestatic liver disease reflect an accumulation of bile precursors in the bloodstream and decreased bile secretion into the intestine.
Jaundice
Bilirubin is the breakdown product of hemoglobin, the primary component of red blood cells. The liver normally incorporates bilirubin into bile. As noted by the University of Maryland Medical Center, cholestatic liver disease interferes with this processing, causing an abnormal accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin, which is an intensely yellow chemical, causes yellow skin discoloration. Jaundice is the medical term for this symptom, which frequently occurs with cholestatic liver disease.
Itching
According to Penn State College of Medicine's Hershey Medical Center, cholestatic liver disease can trigger intense itching. This symptom is due to the accumulation of bilirubin and bile salts in the skin secondary to bile flow obstruction.
Abdominal Pain
Many conditions can cause cholestatic liver disease. Biliary obstruction outside the liver due to gallstones, external compression of the bile transport system or narrowing of the bile ducts may cause abdominal pain. Inflammation of the pancreas secondary to cholestasis may also cause pain. MedlinePlus reports that cholestatic liver disease pain is typically located in the right upper region of the abdomen.
Pale, Greasy Stools
Bile is required for the normal breakdown and absorption of dietary fats. Decreased bile flow into the intestine due to cholestatic liver disease disrupts normal fat digestion. This can lead to abnormally voluminous, fat-laden stools, advises Penn State College of Medicine's Hershey Medical Center. In addition, the stools are typically pale due to decreased bile in the stool. Bile gives stool its normal coloration.
Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting are possible symptoms of cholestatic liver disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Diarrhea may also develop if bile flow is significantly blocked, causing undigested dietary fat buildup in the intestine.
Dark Urine
Increased bilirubin in the bloodstream causes a parallel increase of bilirubin and its byproducts in the urine, turning it an unusually dark color. This occurs frequently with cholestatic liver disease, notes MedlinePlus.
