INTRODUCTION: To evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes of the pregnancies complicated by intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and to discuss the appropriate pregnancy management.
METHODS: Maternal and fetal characteristics were analyzed from the medical records of 32 patients who gave birth following a pregnancy complicated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy between January 2009 and December 2013.
RESULTS: A total of 32 patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy were enrolled the study. Diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis was made at an average of 34.15±3.1 gestational weeks and mean gestational time at birth was found to be 37.4±1.86 gestational weeks.
Preterm birth rate (<37 gestational weeks) was 20.59%. Mean birth weight and a low (<7) 5- minute APGAR score were 2980±480g., and 14.70%, respectively. Meconium was detected in amniotic fluid in 14.70 % of the cases and admission rate to neonatal care unit was 12.50 %. There were no reported cases of stillbirth. The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy was 15.62%.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our data confirm an increased risk of preterm delivery in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. The high rates of gestational diabetes mellitusis need to be considered in the management of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.