Hepatitis B infection and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Viral hepatitis type B is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Several studies have linked HBV infection to a higher risk of developing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), although some give contradictory results. To investigate the association and estimated risk of ICP in patients with HBV infection, we conducted this meta-analysis to summarize all available evidence. METHODS: This study consists of 2 meta-analyses. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to July 2019. The first study included studies that reported associations between HBV infection and the risk of ICP. The second analysis included studies comparing the risk of HBV infection in ICP patients with those without ICP. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effect, inverse variance method. RESULTS: Four studies were included in both analyses. The OR of ICP in HBV-infected pregnant women compared with non-HBV pregnant women was 1.68 (95% CI 1.43–1.97; I(2) = 0%). The OR of HBV infection among ICP patients compared with non-ICP patients was 1.70 (95% CI 1.44–2.01; I(2) = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis demonstrates not only a higher risk of ICP among HBV-infected pregnant women but also an increased risk of HBV infection among ICP patients. These findings suggest that HBV is a high-risk factor for ICP and screening for hepatitis B in women with ICP symptoms may be beneficial.