Abnormal Fetal Cardiac Function and Umbilical Cord Blood Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction:We aim to evaluate fetal cardiac function and umbilical cord blood pro-BNP (pro-brain natriuretic peptide) levels in ICP (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy). Methods:The study included 41 ICP cases and 41 controls. All participants were evaluated after 34 weeks of gestation. The pro-BNP levels in umbilical cord blood were assayed, and perinatal outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: In the ICP group SBA (serum bile acid) and pro-BNP levels were higher than the control group (p<0.001 and p=0.001). The left MPI (myocardial performance index) of ICP group was higher among the control group (p=0.043). A positive correlation was evaluated between the proBNP levels and MPI values (p<0.001). Conclusion: Both the high MPI values obtained via ultrasonography and the high pro-BNP levels detected in umbilical cord blood may be attributable to the adverse fetal cardiac effects of ICP.