Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Leading to Severe Vitamin K Deficiency and Coagulopathy

Abstract EN

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is seldom associated with significant vitamin K deficiency.

We report a case of a 16-year-old primigravid patient at 24 weeks and 3 days of gestation who presented with pruritus, hematuria, and preterm labor.

Laboratory work-up showed severe coagulopathy with Prothrombin Time (PT) of 117.8 seconds, International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 10.34, and elevated transaminases suggestive of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Her serum vitamin K level was undetectable (<0.1 nMol/L).

Initial therapy consisted of intramuscular replacement of vitamin K and administration of fresh frozen plasma.

Her hematuria and preterm labor resolved and she was discharged.

She presented in active labor and delivered at 27 weeks and 1 day.

Her bile acids (93 μ/L) and INR (2.32) had worsened.

She delivered a male infant, 1150 grams with Apgar scores 7 and 9.

The newborn received 0.5 mg of intramuscular vitamin K shortly after delivery but went on to develop bilateral grade III intraventricular hemorrhages by day 5.

Intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy and nutrition issues were identified as the main risk factors for the severe coagulopathy of this patient.

This case underlines the importance of evaluation of possible severe coagulopathy in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in order to avoid serious maternal or fetal adverse outcomes.