Clinical Focus ›› 2023, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (5): 405-411.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2023.05.003

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Correlation between pruritus and the prognosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and prediction of its risks

Zhang Yuan, Zhou Juan, Li Wenxiang, Liu Jinxiang, Tang Xiaomei, Luo Huijuan()   

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University,Guangzhou 510630,China
  • Received:2022-11-21 Online:2023-05-20 Published:2023-07-20
  • Contact: Luo Huijuan, Email:feelluo@126.com

Abstract:

Objective To compare the clinical characteristics of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) with or without pruritus and to evaluate the significance of pruritus in ICP. Methods A total of 359 ICP patients were divided into different groups according to the presence or absence of pruritus, the onset of gestational age and the total bile acid (TBA) levels. Pregnant women with normal birth examination during the same period were randomly selected as the control group. The correlation of pruritus and TBA levels with perinatal morbidity was evaluated. Results The incidence of ICP was about 1.1%, and most of them were asymptomatic (71.03%). Liver function, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), low birth weight, preterm birth and cesarean section rate were significantly higher in ICP patients with or without pruritus than those in the control group (P <0.05). The cord blood flow before delivery was within the normal range in all three recruited pregnant women. In ICP group, especially in symptomatic ICP group, the cord blood flow values were within the upper limit of the normal range (P <0.05). Pregnant women with mild and asymptomatic ICP had the lowest rates of cesarean section and preterm birth (P<0.05). Pruritus and TBA level were positively correlated with perinatal morbidity, especially when TBA≥40 μmol/L. Conclusion Pruritus should not be a prerequisite for the diagnosis of ICP. Regardless of the presence or absence of pruritus, ICP increases perinatal morbidity, but pruritus and TBA≥40 μmol/L are risk factors for perinatal morbidity. Cases of asymptomatic ICP are mostly mild, but intrauterine fetal death can occur without warning. Therefore, TBA and liver function should be regularly monitored during pregnancy to prevent missed diagnosis in asymptomatic ICP patients.

Key words: cholestasis, intrahepatic, pregnant women, pruritus, bile acids, perinatal period

CLC Number: