Clinical Investigation

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: Relationship between bile acid levels and maternal and fetal complications

10.4274/tjod.28000

  • Bilge Çetinkaya Demir
  • Esra Şahin Güneş
  • Mehmet Aral Atalay

Turk J Obstet Gynecol 2014;11(3):148-152 PMID: 28913008

Objective:

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a complication which is characterized by elevated serum bile acid levels. ICP increases maternal and fetal morbidities. This study was designed to determine the association between maternal and fetal complications and serum bile acid levels.

Materials and Methods:

Maternal and fetal characteristics were analyzed from the medical records of 61 patients who gave birth following a pregnancy complicated with ICP between 2009 and 2013.

Results:

Eighty-seven percent of 61 cases were singletons and 13% were twins. Mean SBA level was 36 μmol/L. Preterm birth rate among singletons and twin pregnancies were 24.5% and 62.5%, respectively. Mean SBA level in the preterm birth group was statistically higher than that in the term birth group (100.8 μmol/L and 25.61 μmol/L, respectively; p=0.001). No perinatal mortality associated with ICP was detected in the study group.

Conclusion:

Pregnant women with ICP represent high-risk group in regard to fetal and maternal risks. Close follow-up of these patients is required due to increased risks such as preterm delivery, meconium staining, and fetal death.

Keywords: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, preterm birth, serum bile acid levels