Adverse pregnancy outcomes and mother-to-child transmission in patients with hepatitis B virus infection and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy (ICP) in hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) patients.

Material and methods: We performed a retrospective study at Beijing Youan Hospital in China from January 2010 through May 2017. A total of 232 patients were enrolled, including 106 HBV-infected ICP patients (Group H + C), 20 ICP patients (Group C) and 106 HBV-infected patients (Group H). Characteristics, APOs and MTCT rate of HBV were compared between groups. Group H + C was subdivided into 3 groups according to total bile acid (TBA) values and gestational age at diagnosis (GA). APOs were also compared within Group H + C according to TBA values and GA.

Results: There was no difference in live birth delivery mode and APOs between Groups H + C and C. Compared with Groups H, no difference was in live birth and MTCT rates of HBV. However, cesarean section delivery and APOs rates were higher in Group H+C (p < 0.05). Compared with Group H, adverse maternal outcomes such as postpartum hemorrhage and premature birth were more likely to occur in Group H + C (p < 0.001). Adverse fetal outcomes, the proportions of amniotic fluid reaching III degrees (AFIII), NICU admission, neonatal asphyxia and SGA were significantly higher among Group H + C than Group H (p < 0.05). Contamination of the AFIII rate increased with increasing TBA (p < 0.05). The rate of preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA) was more common in GA 28-32 w compared with GA < 28 w and > 33 w (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: H + C patients had more APOs than HBV patients, but the difference was not significant when compared with ICP patients. Although we did not find any difference in MTCT rate between H + C and HBV patients, active treatment to prevent neonatal asphyxia and HBV infection should be considered. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize maternal and fetal monitoring during pregnancy and delivery.