Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: correlation of preterm delivery with bile acids.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, obstetrical and fetal complication rates of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in patients managed actively around 38 weeks and evaluate the correlation of these results with liver function tests and bile acids.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cohort study 3710 women were booked for delivery, of which 32 pregnant women were diagnosed as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. All data concerning obstetric- medical history, laboratory results, symptom onset time, pruritus degree, treatment response, and delivery time and infants information were recorded in the study protocol. Statistical analyses were conducted with SPSS 12.0 version and correlations were assessed by Spearman Rank correlation analysis.

RESULTS: The incidence of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy was 0.86%. The symptoms appeared around 32 weeks. 16.6% multiparas had a previously affected pregnancy and 21.8% of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy patients had family history of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Symptom onset varied according to season (p<0.05). Most patients (69.5%) were diagnosed in winter and the beginning of spring. There were no reported cases of clinical maternal jaundice, bleeding tendency or stillbirth. Pruritus was decreased by ursodeoxycholic acid treatment. Total bile acids tended to be higher in patients with preterm delivery (r=0.409, p=0.038).

CONCLUSION: Total bile acids are correlated with preterm delivery. An attempt to deliver at around 38 weeks may improve perinatal outcome.