Obstetric Cholestasis: Investigation of a suspected high incidence in the West of Ireland.

AIM: To identify the incidence of Obstetric Cholestasis in a Maternity unit. To compare our investigation, criteria for diagnosis and management plan with National Guidelines. To assess adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with this condition.

METHOD: Serum Bile Acid requests are sent to an external laboratory, Biomnis in Dublin, for processing. A log of 2018 requests was obtained from Biochemistry. The pregnant patients with values > 8 mmol/L were selected. A data collection proforma was designed and retrospective chart review performed.

RESULTS: Of the 1302 births in SUH in 2018, 42 women met the criteria resulting in a suspected incidence of 3.2% (n = 42). 9.5%(n = 4) of patients had a history of OC in a previous pregnancy. Bile acid values ranged from 8.1 to 124 mmol/L. LFTs were deranged in 81% (n = 34) of patients. Gestation at delivery ranged from 35 weeks to 40 + 9. OC alone was the indication for induction in 57%9n = 24). CS in 43% (n = 20) and Vaginal birth in 57% (n = 25). Neonatal outcome: 7% (n = 3) reduced APGAR, 7% (n = 3) passed meconium, 9% (n = 4) NICU admission, no stillbirths.

CONCLUSION: Suspected incidence of 3.2% (n = 42) is significantly higher than the stated 0.7% across multi-ethnic populations. Greater congruence is required on the BA cut off value for diagnosis as there is no specified value in guidelines. While we may be over diagnosing patients based on BA level, we are also undertreating them, with 55% (n = 23) receiving Ursofalc. There was no neonatal mortality.