Maternal and fetal outcome in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy at tertiary care institute of North India

Abstract

Objectives: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) is the most common reversible form of hepatic disease in pregnancy. The risk of sudden intrauterine infant death is major threat as none of the fetal monitoring proved effective for its prevention. This study was conducted to know the prevalence of IHCP along with fetal and maternal outcome in North Indian population. Material and Methods: This case–control study was conducted over a period of 6 months. One hundred pregnant patients were recruited in each group. Patients with IHCP were included in case group whereas apparently healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancy were included in control group. Bile acids were done only once at the time of initial visit whereas liver enzymes were done at initial visit and subsequently weekly for total 3 times. All cases of IHCP were started on ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) with a dose of 10–15 mg/kg/day throughout pregnancy and three doses of 10 mg Vitamin K by intramuscular route were also given. Fetal and maternal outcomes were compared between both the groups. Total numbers of deliveries in that time period were also noted to find out the prevalence of disease. The tests of two or more proportions were done using Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of IHCP was 4.08% in our population, however, women from urban area had higher incidence of cholestasis than rural population. History of recurrent disease was found in 30% of women. Out of 100, 96% presented with itching and only 57–58% had raised liver enzymes levels. In 89% of patients (89/100), bile acids levels were >14 μmol/l. During follow-up, SGOT and SGPT levels were significantly improved over 2-week interval while on treatment with UDCA; however, levels were still on higher side. There was no correlation found between cholestasis of pregnancy with preterm labor and meconium-stained liquor in the present study. Comparable results were found in terms of respiratory distress syndrome and NICU admission, whereas significant high incidence of neonatal jaundice found in the control group. Conclusion: Itching over whole body was the predominant presenting complaints of cholestasis of pregnancy. Diagnosis should be supported by bile acids in women with normal liver enzymes to decrease the cost of investigations. Early termination of pregnancy between 36 and 37 weeks can be considered in women with bile acids >40 μmol/L and in non-compliant patients on UDCA treatment.