The Recurrent Liver Disorder of a Pregnant Mother: Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy – A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a form of liver disease which is unique to pregnancy with a worldwide prevalence ranging from 0.3% and 5.6% of pregnancies. It is presented with skin pruritus and elevated total serum bile salt and liver function test with unknown etiologic agent but suggested hormonal, environmental and genetic risk factors. Case Presentation: A 31-year-old Gravida III and Para II mother came to University of Gondar specialized hospital at the outpatient clinic in January 2019 with complain of generalized pruritus along with jaundice at 24 weeks gestational age (GA). She presented with singleton and intrauterine pregnancy with a history of one neonatal loss, one living child, and elevated bilirubin, on admission blood serum test showed elevated serum transaminases, and bilirubin. At 30 weeks GA her bilirubin total and bilirubin direct tests were 4.52 mg/dl and 3.45 mg/dl respectively. At 34 weeks GA her bilirubin values became elevated. At 37 weeks GA fetal delivery was carried out via successful caesarean section with an indication of non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern after induction with oxytocin. The outcome was stable for both mother and baby. After a two week follow up in the outpatient set up, her liver biochemistry test was normal, and free of the clinical features with normal physical growth and intact primitive reflexes of a newborn. Conclusion: Presenting with a typical marker of increased liver function tests, bilirubin values and pruritus as a clinical feature, ICP was diagnosed. After an attempt at an oxytocin induction, an effective cesarean section was performed to deliver a live female baby, weighing 2.8 kg. The case disappeared after three weeks follow up in the puerperium.