Association between maternal serum bile acids and fetomaternal outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: A comparative analysis

Introduction: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), which is also known as obstetric cholestasis, is a liver disease of pregnancy associated with raised serum bile acids and increased rates of adverse fetal outcomes. Aim: To evaluate maternal bile acid levels and assess maternal and fetal outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Methodology: This comparative observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Heritage Institute of Medical Sciences, Uttar Pradesh, from August 2023 to January 2025. Result: The study found significantly higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and postpartum complications in ICP cases compared to controls, with elevated bile acid levels strongly linked to adverse outcomes. Despite trends, comorbidities and coagulation abnormalities showed no statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights that intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is significantly associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, postpartum complications, and prolonged hepatic dysfunction