How you can take part

Professor Catherine Williamson’s Maternal & Fetal Disease Group began to investigate intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in 1997 and hers is now one of the largest research groups, focusing on cholestasis in Europe. ICP Support has been collaborating with this group since it started.

As a result, many women and their families have donated blood samples and provided data for studies into the condition. Their generosity has enabled the research to develop rapidly, and many scientific papers have been published. The group is also indebted to all the clinicians and midwives around the country who have helped to collect these samples and provide data.

To sustain this momentum more samples are needed, and this is where you could help (whether you are pregnant or not). There are several studies taking place that have all been approved by ethics committees and the hospitals who provide sponsorship for them to take place. You will need to be resident in the UK.

The study that is currently running is the Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Research Study at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital, London and St Thomas’ Hospital, London. Professor Williamson is the Chief Investigator for this study.

We also need a control group of women who have been pregnant but who have not had any complications in their pregnancy. This helps the researchers to make sure that any new discoveries, such as a new genetic change, are specific to women with ICP rather than all pregnant women. If you have friends (not relatives) who might also be interested in helping us they can also take part.

Your samples will make a difference, helping researchers add to existing knowledge of the condition – knowledge that has only been obtained because of the generosity of previous ICP and non-ICP families.

If you are interested in participating in this study or want more information, please contact Jenny Chambers, who is the clinical trials coordinator for Professor Williamson: jennychambers@icpsupport.org. Contacting Jenny does not commit you to taking part, as at this stage you are simply expressing an interest.