Feto-Maternal outcomes in Intrahepatic Cholestasis in Pregnancy in a Tertiary Care Centre in Eastern Nepal

Abstract

Background Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy has poor feto-maternal outcomes. To date there has been sparse publications regarding impact of intrahepatic cholestasis in feto-maternal outcomes in our setting. Therefore, we aimed to study the feto-maternal outcome in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Material and Methods A hospital based prospective cross-sectional study carried out in department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar, Nepal from 1st January 2014 to 30^th December 2015 in women who presented with pruritus in third trimester of pregnancy and having deranged liver function tests. All the cases were followed from admission to discharge. Socio-demographic, clinico-laboratory profile and feto-maternal outcomes were recorded in a preformed structured proforma. Descriptive statistics was used to present the data.

Results Among 6,780 women admitted for delivery, 80 had cholestasis of pregnancy with incidence of 1.15%. 83% were of 18-35 years and 65% were primigravida. Most distressing symptom was generalized pruritus (75.0 %). The cesarean delivery rate was 46.25% and labor induction rate was (47.5%). Fetal complications were seen in majority of cases that included meconium aspiration syndrome 26 (32.5%), intrapartum fetal distress 21 (26.25%) and requirement of: intensive care 38 (48.75%). There were 7 perinatal and 3 neonatal deaths.

Conclusion Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy seems fairly common among pregnant women. It may be responsible for a large number of perinatal and neonatal deaths especially after 36 weeks of gestation. A large prospective study is needed to address the problems in time.

Journal of Nobel Medical College

Volume 5, Number 1, Issue 8, January-July 2016, 20-25