obstetric cholestasis Center Greece
For people affected by obstetric cholestasis
For people affected by obstetric cholestasis
Research into OC in the UK is relatively new. Professor Catherine Williamson's Maternal & Fetal Disease Group began to investigate the condition in 1998 and is now one of the largest research groups focusing on cholestasis in Europe. OC Support has been collaborating with this group since 1998.
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). You can do as much or as little as you want, which could include:
Full ethical permission has been given for this research to take place.
You need to:
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 genetic variant, are specific to women with OC 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 OC and non-OC families.
There has been no research regarding HRT and OC. As with hormonal contraception, it's a question of trying it to see what happens. A starting point would be to see your GP or practice nurse to discuss this with him or her. It would also be a good idea to have your liver function checked before you start to take HRT.
In March 2012 it was officially registered as a charity whose aims are to:
