Abstract: Objective To investigate the potential risk factors for severe intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).OMethods A retrospective single-center study was conducted in 79 patients with ICP. Their clinical data was analyzed, including basic information, liver injuries, impacts on delivery and neonates. According to the level of bile acid, 79 ICP patients were divided into mild (n=55) and severe groups (n=24). Results Patients in severe group were older (31.04±3.56 years old vs. 28.95±4.13 years old, P=0.034) and had earlier onset time during pregnancy (250.2±26.57 days vs. 258.2±13.27 days, P=0.079) than those in mild group. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was found to be significantly higher in those with severe ICP (33.33% vs. 14.55%, P=0.056). The cesarean rate of severe group was significantly higher than that of mild group (92% vs. 58%, P=0.006). No statistical difference was observed in the survival rate of neonates.Conclusion The older age, earlier onset time and HBV infection are associated with an increased risk of developing severe ICP.

Key words: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; Clinic study