Abstract :
Background: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) is a liver disorder that is unique to pregnancy. The important characteristic features of this disease are pruritus and elevated bile acid levels that result in adverse consequences. Despite the complexity of its etiology, recent research suggested that environmental, seasonal, and hormonal factors play a vital role in the onset and severity of the disease.Materials and Methods: Cardinal symptoms (Pruritus and elevated bile acid levels) and biochemical tests were used to screen pregnant women with IHCP. The prevalence of IHCP in summer, spring, autumn, and winter seasons was assessed. Biochemical analyses were carried out at the time of enrolment and end of the study to gain insights into possible contributing factors in the etiology of the disease.Results: During the study, a total of 101 pregnant women were diagnosed with IHCP, yielding a 9.7% prevalence. A significant seasonal difference was observed, with the winter months having the highest prevalence (86%) and the summer months having the lowest (14%). Progesterone and estradiol levels were considerably higher in IHCP than in non-IHCP subjects. A statistical analysis revealed a relationship between the occurrence of IHCP and both hormonal imbalance and seasonal variability.Conclusion: This study revealed that low temperature and elevated estradiol and progesterone levels increased the prevalence of IHCP, pointing to a potential involvement of environmental, hormonal, and climatic factors in the disease’s onset.
Keyword :
Environmental factors, Estradiol, Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, Progesterone, Seasonal variability, Ursodeoxycholic acid.