Two-year experience of obstetric cholestasis: outcome and management

Purpose: Our aim was to evaluate the management and outcome of obstetric cholestasis in our perinatology unit. Methods: We analyzed 44 pregnant women complicated by cholestasis. Data were collected retrospectively. Details of patient demographics and outcomes of pregnancy were recorded. Patients were randomized due to their decision to take ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy or not. Results: Forty-four women of age 28.09 +/- 4.6 years delivered 45 newborns. The mean gestational age at diagnosis of obstetric cholestasis was 32.36 +/- 3.75 weeks. The mean delivery time was 38.25 +/- 1.5 weeks. Spontaneous premature delivery occurred in five (11.4%) of the patients. No stillbirths were observed. Serum transaminases decreased significantly in 26 of the patients who were treated with oral UDCA therapy. Twelve (27.2%) babies were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Out of 12 mothers whose babies were admitted to NICU, nine patients had not received UDCA (p = 0.07). Conclusion: UDCA is effective in lowering transaminases.