What impact does ‘mild’ ICP have on the baby?
-
Authors list
Professor Catherine Williamson, Professor Lucy Chappell
-
Research centre
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), also known as obstetric cholestasis (OC), is a liver disorder that can develop during pregnancy. It affects around 1 in 140 pregnancies in the UK.
ICP is caused by a raised level of bile acids in the liver, which then leak into the woman’s bloodstream. It is characterised by itching skin, which is often more noticeable on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
ICP can have serious consequences for the baby, with increased chances of premature birth, neonatal unit admission and stillbirth. Research shows that about 1 in 10 women diagnosed with ICP will have their baby early.
The normal bile acid level in the blood is below 10-14 µmol/L. When it rises above this concentration ICP is diagnosed. A Swedish study in 2004 demonstrated that higher bile acid levels (above 40 µmol/L) are associated with worse outcomes for the baby. Since then, ICP is diagnosed as ‘mild’ or ‘severe’ based upon whether bile acids are below or above 40 µmol/L.
We know that the higher the bile acid levels, the worse the outcome is for the baby, but we don’t yet know what the impact is on the baby of having lower bile acids.
This study aims to find out whether babies of ‘mild’ ICP pregnancies are also at increased risk. And at what level of bile acids does this risk occur.
We also want to determine the best course of care for women with lower bile acids.
To do this, we are collecting data from all published studies into ICP. We are currently compiling the results to see if there is a bile acid level above which women are more at risk. We are also looking at individual patient data from ICP studies. So far, we have collected data from over 3000 women from 13 different countries.
We hope that this study will provide conclusive evidence upon which to base our care of affected women in the future.
Get our research updates
Tommy's funds research across the UK investigating the reasons for pregnancy complications and loss. We can keep you updated on our research news. If you're interested in being kept updated about our research and news from Tommy's, click here.
This project is funded by Tommy's and ICP Support.
Read more on this topic
-
What are the effects of corticosteroids for babies born at term?
What are the effects of corticosteroids for babies born at term?Tommy's researchers are investigating what effect corticosteroids have on babies who were at risk of being born prematurely but were carried to term after all. -
Why does cervical damage cause preterm labour?
Why does cervical damage cause preterm labour?Scientists think cervix damage makes it easier for infections to get to the womb, leading to preterm labour. Our team developed a way to study how this happens. -
The QUIPP app: helping doctors decide who is at risk of premature birth
The QUIPP app: helping doctors decide who is at risk of premature birthResearchers in Tommy’s Prematurity Clinic are helping develop an app that will reduce unnecessary hospital admissions for women with symptoms of preterm labour. -
How does induction of labour affect educational achievement later in life?
How does induction of labour affect educational achievement later in life?Researchers are linking information about births to children’s school records to help doctors and parents make informed decisions about early induction. -
How does the sperm of fathers with liver disease affect the health of their children?
How does the sperm of fathers with liver disease affect the health of their children?We are currently investigating changes to the sperm in men with liver disease, and how this also impacts the lifelong health of their children. -
Using statins to prevent brain injury during premature birth
Using statins to prevent brain injury during premature birthPremature birth can lead to health problems. Our researchers are looking into whether statins could be used to prevent brain injury in premature babies. -
The EQUIPTT study: Testing an app that calculates the risk of premature birth
The EQUIPTT study: Testing an app that calculates the risk of premature birthThe QUIPP app – developed by Tommy’s researchers – can help doctors decide how best to treat women at risk of premature birth. -
Finding ways of preventing preterm labour
Finding ways of preventing preterm labourEarly labour can be caused by infection or inflammation of the womb. Inflammation is often a result of infection, but drugs used for heart disease may help. -
How to involve parents in decision making during premature birth
How to involve parents in decision making during premature birthOur researcher team are finding the best ways of involving parents in the decisions that are made during premature labour. -
STOPPIT-2: can the Arabin pessary prevent premature birth in twin pregnancies?
STOPPIT-2: can the Arabin pessary prevent premature birth in twin pregnancies?Tommy’s Edinburgh centre took part in a national trial that found that the Arabin pessary did not lower preterm birth for high-risk women pregnant with twins. -
Are corticosteroids appropriate for all women who are expected to give birth early?
Are corticosteroids appropriate for all women who are expected to give birth early?Tommy’s wants to find out if corticosteroids are beneficial for pregnant women, particularly those with diabetes, who are likely to go into premature labour. -
Does HPV infection increase the risk of preterm birth?
Does HPV infection increase the risk of preterm birth?Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) can damage cells in a woman’s cervix. We’re trying to find out why this might cause premature birth.