Increased levels of the novel hepatokine fetuin B in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate liver-derived plasma protein fetuin B levels in healthy pregnant women and pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty women with ICP and 40 healthy pregnant women were included in this cross-sectional study. The serum fetuin B levels of these patients were analyzed. The patients were followed up to delivery.

RESULTS: Maternal age, gravida, parity, BMI at assessment, and gestational age at blood sampling were similar between the ICP and control groups (p > .05). However, the gestational age at delivery and the birth weight were significantly lower in the ICP group (p < .05). Total bile acid (TBA) levels and liver function tests were significantly higher in the ICP group than in the control group (p < .0001 and < .0001, respectively). In addition, serum fetuin B concentrations were significantly higher in the ICP group than in the control group (p < .0001). The best cutoff for fetuin B serum concentration was 5540.2 pg/mL. Serum values greater than this threshold had 80% sensitivity and 65% specificity for the diagnosis of ICP.

CONCLUSIONS: Serum fetuin B was higher in patients with ICP compared to healthy pregnant women and might be a new biomarker.