Epidemiology
Serum Lp(a) rises with disease severity and correlates with bile acid levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, 156-patient study finds (J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2025)
Original title: Clinical significance of serum lipoprotein(a) in the early diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
This retrospective study compared 156 patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), the leading pregnancy-specific liver condition, against 88 healthy pregnant controls with normal mid-to-late pregnancy indicators, to explore serum Lp(a)'s value in early ICP diagnosis. The ICP group had greater pregnancy weight gain, more family history of ICP, more prior cholecystectomy and gallbladder disease, higher fasting total bile acids, shorter gestational age at presentation, and higher serum Lp(a). Serum Lp(a) rose with disease severity and correlated positively with fasting total bile acids by Spearman analysis, and early-onset ICP patients had higher Lp(a) than those with late-onset disease. ROC analysis supported serum Lp(a)'s value in identifying high-risk ICP patients and diagnosing early-onset cases. The authors conclude serum Lp(a) tracks with ICP severity and could guide earlier diagnosis and treatment decisions in this pregnancy-specific condition.
Original abstract
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.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.