ICP Care Team Member

Katy Kessler ICP Care Volunteer
Amelia Persico
Clinical Pharmacist
Katy Kessler ICP Care Volunteer
Clinical Pharmacist
Amelia Persico

I am thrilled to be joining the ICP care team! I am an ICP mom and clinical pharmacist but, despite my health care background, I first learned about ICP, like many of you, in my OBGYN’s office after I had presented with itching on my hands and feet. I am forever grateful to the observant nurse practitioner who listened to my symptoms and recommended testing for ICP. I was diagnosed around 30 weeks with bile salts >100 and treated with Ursodiol + NSTs + ultrasounds. My OBGYN suggested a plan for induction at 37 weeks. After independent research, reading the ICP care website/resources, and self-advocacy my providers agreed to an induction at 36 weeks gestation instead. My son was ultimately born via c-section at 36+3 and apart from hypoglycemia the first day he was perfectly healthy!

I was fortunate to be well versed in accessing and interpreting scientific literature from my work as a clinical pharmacist. I was able to find relevant articles and provide up to date literature and recommendations to my OBGYN. I am very excited to be joining the ICP care team to bring my personal and professional experience to the group and help further the important mission. I am especially passionate about exploring new treatment/management options, interpreting currently available data and distilling the information down to be more accessible to the general public and the families who need it most. The ICP care website was a great resource to me when I was a newly diagnosed ICP mom and I am honored to be a part of such an important organization.