Bile Acids Metabolism and Genetic Mutation Profile in the Etiopathogenesis of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy in Indian Population- A Prospective Study
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a disorder characterized by itching, elevated fasting serum bile acids ≥10μmol/L (and elevated serum transaminases), with increased risks of perinatal complications, including spontaneous preterm labor, fetal distress, infant respiratory distress syndrome, meconium-stained liquor (MSL), and sudden intrauterine death (IUD). The Incidence of ICP varies from 0.1 to 15.6% of all pregnancies, with the highest cases in Chile, South Asia, America, and Scandinavia. The burden of ICP in India according to various states is as follows Punjab (3.1%), Chandigarh (4.8%), Delhi (0.79%), West Bengal (3.3%), and Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) (2.8%).
• Age \> 21 years with consistent pruritus
• Characterized by consistent pruritus associated with elevated levels of serum transaminases (ALT \> 40 U/L or AST \> 37 U/L) or raised total serum bile acids (≥ 10 µmol/L)
• Able to understand and comply with the requirements of the study and voluntarily agrees to participate in the study by giving written informed consent before any study-related activity is performed
• Voluntary informed consent to participate until their delivery and also willing to be followed until their delivery
• Agrees to provide information on perinatal and maternal outcomes at or after delivery