Publication:

Aetiology of jaundice in pregnancy: observational study in a tertiary care hospital

Background Jaundice in pregnancy has potentially serious consequences to both mother and foetus. This study aims to find out the aetiology of jaundice and its severity in pregnancy.

Methods This is an observational prospective study over a period of one and a half years conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College, Kozhikode. Antenatal patients who presented with jaundice was included in this study.

Results Out of 24060 deliveries in the study period of one and a half years there were 52 cases of jaundice complicating pregnancy. Incidence of jaundice complicating pregnancy was found to be 0.22%. Largest number of women belonged to the age group 21-25 years of age. Most of the cases occurred in the third trimester. 55.8% of the cases were multigravidas Most common cause of jaundice in pregnancy was found to be HELLP syndrome (34.6%) followed by Hepatitis A (32.7%) 67.3% of the cases had only mild elevation of bilirubin levels (2-5.9mg/dl). 65.4% had an SGOT value of less than 200U/litre and 67.3 % had an SGPT value of less than 200U/litre.

Conclusions The decrease in the number of cases of viral hepatitis may be due to the increased awareness about the transmission of disease and improvement in sanitary conditions.