Clinical significance of serum lipoprotein(a) in the early diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Objective

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) represents the predominant hepatic condition that is specific to pregnancy and impacts expectant mothers. We desired to explore the clinical significance of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in the early diagnosis of ICP.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 156 ICP patients, with 88 healthy pregnant women with normal indicators during mid-to-late pregnancy selected as controls. Clinical baseline data of all participants were collected, and serum Lp(a) expression was measured by turbidimetric immunoassay. The association between fasting serum total bile acids (TBA) and serum Lp(a) in ICP patients was evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis. The value of serum Lp(a) was assessed using ROC analysis in assessing high-risk ICP patients and diagnosing early-onset ICP.

Results

The ICP group had significantly higher weight gain during pregnancy, family history of ICP, histories of cholecystectomy and gallbladder disease, with higher fasting serum TBA. The gestational age in the ICP group was significantly shorter, with increased serum Lp(a) levels. Serum Lp(a) levels enhanced with disease severity and were positively correlated with fasting serum TBA. Early-onset ICP patients had higher serum Lp(a) levels than late-onset ICP patients.

Conclusion

Serum Lp(a) levels increased with disease severity in ICP patients, providing effective guidance for early diagnosis and clinical treatment decisions in ICP patients.